Extra virgin olive oil may not be healthy for heart, study finds

Extra virgin olive oil is regarded as one of the best foods that one may eat to maintain cardiac health. This old notion, however, was called into question by a recent study that found the opposite. According to the study, cutting back on extra virgin olive oil use may really improve heart health. The effects of both high and low EVOO in a whole food, plant-based vegan diet were investigated in this study.

The Mediterranean diet, which has long been hailed as one of the best regimens for a strong heart, is high in extra virgin olive oil. Researchers at the university of florida examined 40 persons who were at risk of developing heart disease for their study. The individuals had an average body mass index of 32 and an average age of 64. The majority of the individuals were classified as obese. Over the course of four weeks, the participants were requested to alternate between two distinct diets: a whole-foods, plant-based vegan diet with a high consumption of extra virgin olive oil (four tablespoons daily) or a low consumption of EVOO (less than one teaspoon daily).

How the diets helped in boosting heart health?
Whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables were the main components of the diets. There was no animal product inclusion in any diet choice. The quantity of extra virgin olive oil ingested was the sole distinction between the two diets.

Connection between extra virgin olive oil and LDL levels
According to the study, people's LDL levels increased when they switched abruptly from one diet containing more extra virgin olive oil to another containing less of it. Additionally, it was noted that when extra virgin olive oil intake increased, so did blood sugar levels, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. Thus, it was determined that a plant-based diet combined with reduced use of extra virgin olive oil can help lower the high risk of heart disease.
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Sudha Subbiah

28/08/2024 03:11 PM