An antioxidant found in olive leaves may help protect against osteoporosis, a new study shows. Known as oleuropein, the antioxidant is also available in olive oil and in supplement form.
As you age, the bone-building process tends to become hampered by the buildup of fat cells in bone marrow. In tests on cells taken from human bone marrow, the recent study's research team found that oleuropein altered the expression of genes involved in converting cells into fat cells. By curbing the formation of fat cells, the study's authors suggest, oleuropein may help thwart the development of fatty bone marrow and reduce risk of osteoporosis.
Although it's too soon to recommend oleuropein in the prevention of osteoporosis, you can boost your bone health by maintaining optimal levels of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Weight-bearing exercises are also known to promote bone formation, and preliminary research suggests that flaxseed and green tea both show promise in stopping bone loss as you get older.
