Gut Health

Quick Solution To Leaky Gut

ReviewedReviewed by Susan Clark

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Olive oil has a sterling reputation for containing natural substances that produce health benefits galore, benefits that thousands of studies have confirmed. Now, a natural chemical in the oil is proving to be a show-stopper when it comes to supporting optimal digestive health.

According to scientists, this compound is among a group of natural chemicals in olive oil called polyphenols that “are one of the important reasons for olive oil’s healthy benefits.” Remarkably, this polyphenol, known as oleacein, may be the most important of them all.

Key Takeaways

  • Oleacein is a polyphenol found in olive oil, known for its antioxidant properties that support overall health.
  • Oleacein helps strengthen the gut lining, preventing leaky gut and reducing inflammation.
  • Oleacein promotes neuron growth, reduces neuroinflammation, and boosts cognitive health.

Unmatched Antioxidant Power

Olive oil contains numerous compounds linked to a longer, healthier lifespan. Oleacein may be the most important because it's a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Research indicates it can help protect the liver, support brain health, and support a healthy gut.

Plugging The Leaks In The Digestive System

Oleacein may help control a condition called leaky gut, which has been implicated in many of today’s health issues, causing chronic inflammation and serious complications.

What is leaky gut? Your intestinal walls are supposed to be “semi-permeable” – allowing beneficial nutrients into the body and barring toxic compounds, parasites, and infectious microorganisms.

When the intestinal lining starts to leak, the flow of undesirable entrants can send the immune system into a spiraling inflammation in an attempt to conquer invading pathogens. However, although the inflammation is intended to battle invading pathogens, it can damage the body when overeager immune cells start attacking the body’s own organs.

Oleacein, however, can help shore up the intestinal walls to be more effective at barring the door to these no-good invaders.

For example, researchers in Spain have tested how oleacein can help keep out these invading troublemakers when the intestines are damaged by multiple sclerosis1. Their investigation showed that this phenol decreases inflammation within the digestive tract, protects the cells of the intestines from damage that could open up gaps in the intestinal wall, and encourages the growth of microorganisms in the gut that produce short-chain fatty acids that nourish and fortify the intestinal cells.

There’s also evidence that oleacein can support better brain function.

Building A Better Brain

A study in Japan demonstrates that this compound affects cellular signaling among neurons, decreasing harmful neuroinflammation and encouraging the growth of new neurons by bumping up extra production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)2. BDNF is a natural chemical that regulates the birth and growth of new neurons and helps the brain maintain the neuronal networks that enable you to learn new information.

According to the scientists, altering this type of cellular signaling may help to ease depression along with potentially improving learning and memory.

Helping The Body Stay Healthier

Other research is showing that oleacein may be able to:

  • Help diabetics control their blood sugar more effectively: Tests in Europe demonstrate that oleacein may offer double-barreled health benefits for people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar from getting out of control and lowering the risk of gaining weight. Research shows it helps moderate how the body deals with blood glucose and slows the formation of new, inflammation-prone fat cells. Plus, in combination with other natural compounds in olive oil, it can help control the destructive oxidative stress that can wreak havoc in the body because of diabetic complications.3
  • Keep skin looking younger: Putting oleacein on your skin can help reduce the wrinkles that arrive as you get older. In an Italian study, a month of using oleacein along with other olive oil compounds reduced wrinkling by more than 33% in both men and women over the age of 45.4
  • Increase life expectancy: Lab tests in France indicate that oleacein increases cellular resistance against oxidative stress in ways that enhance longevity.5
  • Protect your liver: Tests performed by a consortium of researchers from different countries reveal that oleacein, along with other olive oil compounds, can ease liver inflammation and lower the risk of the buildup of scar tissue in the liver.6

Our Takeaway

According to researchers, one of the reasons they’ve only just now started intensely investigating how oleacein can boost health is that they had to wait until somebody figured out an effective, inexpensive way to produce it in bulk.

Of course, oleacein is an impressive compound in olive oil. But it’s not the only one. There’s also oleic acid, which can improve brain and heart health. Plus, olive oil contains a healthy amount of omega-3 fats that many Americans miss out on.

Summary

Oleacein, a polyphenol found in olive oil, offers a range of health benefits, particularly in supporting the digestive system, brain function, and overall longevity. This compound has been shown to strengthen the intestinal lining, preventing toxins from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing inflammation. Oleacein also promotes neurogenesis and protects against cognitive decline while aiding in blood sugar management and skin health. Its antioxidant properties further contribute to liver health and increased life expectancy, making oleacein a promising ally for those seeking to enhance their wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is oleacein? Oleacein is a polyphenol found in olive oil, known for its antioxidant properties that support gut, brain, and overall health.
  • How does oleacein help with leaky gut? Oleacein strengthens the gut lining, reducing permeability and inflammation, which helps prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream.
  • Can oleacein improve brain health? Yes, oleacein promotes the growth of new neurons and reduces neuroinflammation, which can help with cognitive functions like memory and learning.
  • Is oleacein good for the skin? Oleacein has been shown to reduce wrinkles and improve skin health, making it beneficial for anti-aging.
  • Does oleacein have other health benefits? In addition to gut and brain health, oleacein helps regulate blood sugar, protect the liver, and may even increase life expectancy.
  1. Guttierrez-Miranda B, et al. “Treatment with the Olive Secoiridoid Oleacein Protects against the Intestinal Alterations Associated with EAE” Int J of Mol Sci 2023 Mar 4;24(5):4977 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36902407/
  2. Wakasugi D, et al., “A rare olive compound oleacein functions as a TrkB agonist and mitigates neuroinflammation both in vitro and in vivo” Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22: 309 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11151522/
  3. Wang R, et al. “A Rare Olive Compound Oleacein Improves Lipid and Glucose Metabolism, and Inflammatory Functions: A Comprehensive Whole-Genome Transcriptomics Analysis in Adipocytes Differentiated from Healthy and Diabetic Adipose Stem Cells” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10341505/
  4. Nistico SP, et al. “Evaluating the Impact of Oleocanthal and Oleacein on Skin Aging: Results of a Randomized Clinical Study” Medicina (Kaunas) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38929564/
  5. Carrara M, et al. “Influence of Oleacein, an Olive Oil and Olive Mill Wastewater Phenolic Compound, on Caenorhabditis elegans Longevity and Stress Resistance” Foods 2024 Jul 5;13(13):2146 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38998651/
  6. Gabbia D, et al. “The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenol Oleocanthal Exerts Antifibrotic Effects in the Liver” Front Nutr 2021; 8: 715183 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8521071/
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