Wisdom is Passed on Through Generations of the Wise. One Would Be Wise to Seek Council

Oleic acid is a mono-unsaturated omega 9-fatty acid found in animal and vegetables.  It is considered a healthy source of fat and is commonly used to replace animal saturated fats in the diet.  One of the chief sources of oleic acid comes from olive oil.  Those that consume, or recommend consuming oleic acid should be considered wise by knowing something that all of us should carry in our centurion war chests.  Or, maybe many were fortunate enough to be weaned on specific dietary products from day one based on their geography.  Like Europe, where the Mediterranean diet uses olive oil, “emblematic of the region.”  The Mediterranean diet mainly consists of fruit, vegetable, legumes, cereal, meat and fish with moderate consumption of red wine and “tasty” olive oil is the main grease used in the region. 

 So what is the big deal with oleic acid and why should this be part of your centurion preventative ill-health war chest?

Oleic acid is highly concentrated in specific types of cooking oils, where much health benefit can be gained from consuming these oils.  Grape seed, Canola, sesame, poppy seed and peanut oil also have high concentrations of Oleic acid.  Olive oil, like the other oils high in oleic acid have many health benefits, such as:  May boost memory, reduce blood pressure,  lower cholesterol, reduced risk of diabetes and other suspected disease curing properties, while promoting antioxidant production in the body.

Oleic acid is the principle ingredient in Lorenzo’s oil.  Developed for young boys that came down with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) a disease similar to MS (multiple sclerosis) where the nervous systems integrity of the myelin sheath becomes compromised.  In 1992 the movie “Lorenzo’s oil” was produced telling a true story about the powerful health properties of oleic acid.  See the link below if interest in watching the movie. 

 “At the age of 7, Lorenzo Odone was a normal child.  Strange things began to happen to him.  He would have blackouts, memory lapses and other strange mental phenomenon.  Eventually, he was diagnosed suffering with ALD, an extremely rare incurable degenerative brain disorder.   Doctor’s were not helping so his father decided to learn all about oleic acid and began experimenting with the oil to help his son.  What he found out by helping his son and confirmed by doctor’s; Lorenzo’s oil does not cure, but slows the worsening, or progression of the disease.  Just like consuming olive oil can maybe assist in slowing down the progression of heart disease.” 

 Five thousand years ago, Crete a Greek Island began production of olive oil, where now has a heritage tied to our fine California olive orchards.  Much of the olive oil you purchase today comes to your local supermarket from the California region.  This region is also a major producer of Tuscan oil based on centuries-old ratio of Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino and Maurino olives providing those that consume the oil with many health benefits.  Oleic acid is also used in a number of soaps and cosmetics. 

The Cancer Society states your skin is the largest organ in the body and should not be neglected.  Tip – Olive oil has been used as a natural moisturizer practiced in Italy and Greece for centuries. 

 Recommendations/Tips:  Use cooking oil high in oleic acid and moisturize like the Greeks.  Get a Mediterranean cook book and prepare meals for your family where health benefits and centurion active lifestyles are realized.  Be sure to read “Ikaria Lifestyle Boasts Longest Living People.” 

 References: 

1. Oleic acid  http://wn.wkipedia.org/wki/oleic_acid
2. What is Oleic Acid?  http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-oleic-acid.htm
3. History of Olive Oil  http://www.lykovouno.com/History-s/32.htm
4. California’s Gold Nector http://www.insidebayarea.com/bay-area-living/ci_14050501?source=rss
5. Lorenzo’s Oil Movie,   http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104756/

 Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2010 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.org,  Signup for your Free eNewsletter.