The Impact of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Heart Disease Risk

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for individuals at risk of heart disease. One popular diet choice for reducing body fat levels and improving cardiovascular health is a plant-based diet rich in nuts, fruits, and vegetables. However, the addition of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to this diet has been a topic of debate among researchers and health professionals. In a recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Florida and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the impact of EVOO on individuals at risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was investigated. This article delves into the findings of the study and provides insights into the role of EVOO in heart disease risk.

The researchers recruited 40 adults aged 18 to 79 who followed a vegan diet for a total of eight weeks. The participants were divided into two groups: one group followed a diet with four additional teaspoons of EVOO per day, while the other group followed a low EVOO version of the diet with no extra olive oil. The participants spent four weeks on each diet, with a week’s break in between. Cardiometabolic profiles, including cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation, were measured before and after each diet period to assess the impact of EVOO on various health indicators.

Both the high EVOO and low EVOO diets resulted in improvements in cardiometabolic profiles compared to baseline measurements. However, the order in which the diets were followed seemed to influence the changes in cholesterol levels. Participants who started with a diet rich in EVOO and then transitioned to a low EVOO diet experienced a drop in LDL cholesterol levels. On the contrary, participants who switched from a low EVOO diet to a high EVOO diet saw a hindrance in LDL reduction. The researchers speculated that the saturated fat content in EVOO might affect the liver’s processing of LDLs, leading to elevated cholesterol levels.

The study findings suggest that reducing the intake of EVOO may yield better lipid-lowering effects, especially in individuals at higher risk of heart disease. While both diets were beneficial for improving the metabolic phenotype, the low EVOO intervention showed superior LDL lowering in participants with elevated heart disease risk. These results highlight the importance of considering the role of EVOO in plant-based diets for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study sheds light on the potential impact of extra virgin olive oil on heart disease risk among individuals following plant-based diets. Cutting back on EVOO consumption may be a beneficial strategy for those with high cholesterol levels and increased cardiovascular risk. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of EVOO on heart health and to investigate how varying levels of olive oil consumption influence lipid profiles. Ultimately, making informed dietary choices plays a crucial role in mitigating heart disease risk and promoting overall well-being.