Fats in olive oil could be the key to longer life, according to a new study.
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Although previous reports have linked red wine to huge health benefits, a team at the University of Minnesota has found that olive oil could have the biggest boost for anti-ageing.
The study was published in the Molecular Cell journal, and Professor Doug Mashek said: ''We found that the way this fat works is it first has to get stored in microscopic things called lipid droplets, which is how our cells store fat.
''And then, when the fat is broken down during exercising or fasting, for example, is when the signalling and beneficial effects are realised.''
The fat in the oil is thought to activate a cell pathway which is known to boost lifespan and precent a number of age-related diseases.
The researchers noted calory reduction and exercise are important alongside the oil.