Oleocanthal, a compound found in extra-virgin olive oil, causes an irritation in the back of the throat similarly to ibuprofen. Both of these molecules block cyclooxygenase enzymes. G. K. Beauchamp and co-workers recenly found that they activate a specific protein,TRPA1, that resides primarily in the back of the throat. These findings may explain why olive oil, like ibuprofen, combats inflammation.
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