Olive oil and oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the oxidant and antioxidant systems of the body, in favor of the oxidants. Oxidative stress produced by free radicals has been linked to the development of several diseases such as cardiovascular, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases Olive oil is the main source of fat of the Mediterranean diet which has been shown to be effective against oxidative stress associated diseases and also with ageing. Besides its richness in monounsaturated fatty acids, the oleic acid, olive oil contains minor components with antioxidant properties. In this review, we summarize the state of the art, and degree of evidence, of the body of knowledge concerning the protective role of the major and minor components of olive oil on oxidative stress.