Olive oil
is a healthy fat loved and known for its deliciousness and wide versatility. It has also been linked to a truckload of
health benefits
. Now, a recent study adds to olive’s exceptional health perks, finding that its natural byproduct, gotten during production, has potential benefits for those who exercise.
Researchers found that the natural by-product, olive fruit water, had good antioxidant properties and supported exercise.
The study was conducted by scientists at Anglia Ruskin University and the results were published in the journal
Nutrients
.
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This is the first study to carry out an investigation into the benefits of the commercially available polyphenol-rich olive fruit water in exercise among recreationally active people.
Olive fruit water is easily obtained during the production of olive oil. Olives contain
polyphenols
, which possess antioxidant properties. Emerging during the olive picking season, this commercially available polyphenol-rich drink, called OliPhenolia (OliP) contains different phenolic compounds and is especially rich in hydroxytyrosol. Polyphenol is also found in some fruits and vegetables including beets and cherries, which are also popularly known for their exercise benefits.
Researchers enrolled over 29 participants above the age of 21 who were recreationally active (that is, those who performed approximately three exercise sessions each week) for the study. They were given either OliPhenolia or a placebo that was matched for both taste and appearance to take for 16 straight days.
Participants were provided with 32 jars of OliPhenolia and told to drink two jars every day for 16 days. The team ensured adherence by making sure the participants returned the empty jar along with any full one at the end of the trial.
Their results revealed that consuming OliPhenolia for 16 days at a stretch caused a positive impact on various key markers of running performance. In addition to that, they observed that drinking OliPhenolia significantly boosted both respiratory levels at the beginning of exercise as well as oxygen consumption and
running
efficiency at low levels of intensity (lactate threshold 1)
Furthermore, respiratory parameters at a higher intensity (lactate threshold 2) were largely unaffected by OliPhenolia, but perceived exertion, that is, how hard the participants felt like their body was working, was boosted by the drink. They also found a significant boost in acute recovery following a gradual increase in exercise intensity over time (incremental exercise).
The researchers report that OliPhenolia is relatively safe as there were no cases or reports of adverse reactions throughout the intervention.
This olive fruit water is typically overlooked and is usually disposed of during the production of olive oil. Researchers came across a company in Italy called Fattoria La Vialla, that converts this wastewater and use it as a form of dietary supplement.
Above all, their finding which explored the usefulness and relevance of this olive fruit water in the exercise field shows that 16 days of supplementation with OliPhenolia is largely beneficial for aerobic workouts, even at submaximal levels.
“We now intend to carry out further research at Anglia Ruskin University to corroborate these findings,” says lead author Dr. Justin Roberts. “We are also looking to investigate whether this product can be used for marathon training and recovery, as well as test its effectiveness in suppressing inflammation associated with exercise.”
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