Olive Oil’s Healthy Secret

According to a new study, phenolic compounds found in olive oil may be largely responsible for the HEART-HEALTHY benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet.

Researchers tested the effects of eating a meal of olive oil and bread and found people’s blood vessels appeared healthier after eating olive oil rich in phenolic compounds.
Phenolics are plant-based compounds that are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticlotting properties and are found in higher concentrations in less processed oils.

Researchers say their results suggest virgin olive oil may be better for the heart than seed oils. Virgin olive oil is a natural juice that does not go through the processing needed to extract oil from seeds, such as sunflower and soybeans. Therefore, the oil retains more of its original nutrients.

In a study that appeared in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers compared the effects on blood vessel function when consuming virgin olive oil high in phenolics and when consuming olive oil that has been stripped of most of its phenolics.

The results showed that the functioning of the inner lining of the small blood vessels of the fingers of the participants and the concentration of certain healthy components in the blood, such as nitric oxide, improved after a breakfast of high phenolic olive oil. There were no such changes after the low-phenolic meal.

Although more studies are needed to confirm theses results, experts say the findings suggest that even a very small change in diet, like using olive oil rich in phenolic compounds, may have a significant effect in reducing hardening of the arteries and heart disease.

Source: webmd.com

November 2005, Jennifer Warner

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