Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, has been proven to strengthen our immune systems, protect aging bones from decay, and even prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. Now researchers have found that Oleocanthal, a compound found in olive oil, kills cancer cells in less than an hour. In a recent study scientists were able to use Oleocanthal to destroy the waste part of cancer cells in cell cultures, which led to the rapid death of cancer cells. While cell cultures aren’t as dynamic as human cells, this could be the reason why those who follow the Mediterranean diet have a lower likelihood of getting cancer and could lead to a breakthrough in cancer treatment.