OLIVE OILS AND HEALTH

307 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits tomy. In general, the removal of the ovaries and/or Fallopian tubes is performed as part of a total or partial hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). Ovariectomy is indicated in various conditions, especially in the treatment of ovarian cancer or large ovarian cysts. It is also used preventively in women who have had breast cancer and carry a genetically confirmed hereditary mutation, known as “hereditary breast and ovarian cancer”. - ovariectomized Refers to the result of an ovariectomy. OXIDATIVE DAMAGE (See LIPIDS / Concepts / Oxidative damage; See also OXIDATIVE STRESS) OXIDATIVE DETERIORATION (See LIPIDS / Concepts) OXIDATIVE STRESS Imbalance between the production of oxidant molecules (free radicals and reactive oxygen species) and the ability of the cell or organism to neutralise them through antioxidant mechanisms. This leads to an oxidative state that damages key cellular components (proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids), contributing to the development of various diseases. - free radicals Very unstable molecules that are typically generated during normal cellular metabolism. Free radicals are chemically unstable (with a half-life of microseconds) because they contain unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive. To reach a more stable state, they tend to steal electrons from nearby molecules, thereby oxidising them. Cells produce various antioxidant molecules to neutralise free radicals. Antioxidants can also be obtained through the diet, particularly from foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Flavonoids are another group of natural compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Extra virgin olive oil contains a wide variety of antioxidant molecules. When there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species and the body’s antioxidant defences, both biological structures and molecules of all types (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids) may be damaged. This damage is associated with an increased risk of cancer and other diseases. - reactive oxygen species Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly oxidising molecules, including both radical and non-radical species. ROS encompass oxygen ions, free radicals, and organic or inorganic peroxides. A common example is hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). - Malondialdehyde Malondialdehyde is a biomarker generated as a result of lipid peroxidation. It is frequently used to assess oxidative damage to plasma lipids under conditions of oxidative stress, due to its atherogenic potential. (See also, “Carotenoids”, “Minor compounds”, “Peroxide index”)

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