Extra virgin olive oil has various health benefits, particularly for the cardiovascular system. But it may also help with chronic pain, according to a growing body of research.

Oleocanthal and oleoresin—two compounds found in extra virgin olive oil—have been linked to reduced inflammation, which could help ease pain in a similar way to ibuprofen. 

Research on olive oil’s effects on pain in humans is very limited. Still, a number of laboratory and pre-clinical studies demonstrate that two compounds can inhibit various inflammatory and pain pathways.

“Olive oil may help reduce pain through several mechanisms, both by directly inhibiting specific pain and inflammation pathways and indirectly lowering systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body,” Christine Peterson, MD, a pain management specialist at HSS told Verywell Health.

Read the full article at verywellhealth.com.