How Polyphenols In Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Protect Young Hearts

Polyphenols In Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Boost Adolescents Cardio Health

Study reveals link between polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil and adolescent cardio health

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining the health of our children is more important than ever. Recent studies have shown that incorporating polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil into adolescent diets can significantly boost cardiovascular health.

This blog post will explore the science behind polyphenols, their incredible benefits, and practical tips for including extra virgin olive oil in your family’s diet.

A recent study has revealed the protective effective of polyphenols on the cardiovascular health of adolescents.

According to the research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the consumption of polyphenols (found in high quality olive oils)  in adolescents is associated with a better cardiovascular health.

As part of the study, the researchers analyzed the amount of polyphenols in the urine of 1,326 adolescents that took part in the SI! Program (Integral Health) of 24 secondary education schools in Madrid and Barcelona.

The collaborative research study includes the participation of the University of Barcelona, the Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, the Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBEROBN), the Spanish Cardiovascular Research Network (CIBERCV) and the SHE Foundation.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Polyphenols

Polyphenols are bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in several plant-based foods, mainly in fruit, vegetables, nuts and olive oil.

Several studies have highlighted the positive impact of polyphenols on heart health. One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming polyphenol-rich foods like extra virgin olive oil can significantly reduce markers of inflammation and improve endothelial function, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood vessels.

Polyphenols protect the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). They also improve the elasticity of blood vessels, which helps regulate blood pressure and ensures efficient blood flow. These mechanisms are especially important during adolescence, a crucial period for cardiovascular development.

Why The Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils Have The Most Polyphenols

Polyphenol rich olive oil is receiving the attention of scientific and health community lately because of their benefits for human body. Polyphenols are chemical compounds that are present in many natural foods. Polyphenol is also used as dietary supplements and can be taken as prescribed medicine.

Polyphenols are phytochemicals that occur in plants and render the colour to plants. Sources of polyphenols include peaches, pomegranate, grapes, oranges, cocoa powder and dark chocolate. However one of the most important sources of polyphenols is extra virgin olive oil. It is important that this is genuine, unprocessed extra virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold that will still have its polyphenols intact. Processed or refined olive oils usually have their polyphenols extracted from the oil during filtration and refining.

Research has shown that polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil have a massive and positive impact on health and doctors recommend high consumption of polyphenol sources. Health benefits of high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil include:

While many studies have been carried out on the health benefits of polyphenols in adults, there is less evidence on their effect in children and adolescents. According to a report in News Medical Life Sciences:

Since this life stage is critical and it compromises cardiovascular health in adulthood, the findings shown in the study are important to encourage similar studies in other European countries and worldwide, as well as to conduct clinical trials to confirm the effect and the dose-response relationship of polyphenols on cardiovascular health from childhood onwards.

With the results of this study, we observed that a higher urinary polyphenol excretion is linearly associated with a higher cardiovascular health index in adolescents aged 11-14, specially in children. This cardiovascular health index is defined by the criteria established by the American Heart Association (AHA), which considers seven variables: body mass index, physical activity, smoking, diet.

News Medical Life Sciences

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is A Great Choice For Our Children Too

Encourage your children to participate in meal preparation. This not only makes them more likely to enjoy their meals but also teaches them the importance of healthy eating. Explain the benefits of extra virgin olive oil and how it can help keep their hearts healthy.

The SI! Program is designed by the SHE Foundation. This initiative is aimed at children aged 3-16 and its aim is to show that the acquisition of healthy habits from childhood reduces the risks of suffering from cardiovascular diseases and it improves the quality of life in adulthood

Extra Virgin Olive Oils, like Morocco Gold, are a great way to add healthy fats to your children’s diet – helping to keep their immune system and growing bodies strong.

It is a good source of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, both of which are important for growing bodies. Extra virgin olive oil can help to improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions. It can also help to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing obesity. Given all of these health benefits, it is no wonder that extra virgin olive oil is often recommended as a healthy addition to the diet of children and adolescents.

A report in Mom Junction which lists seven great reasons why a high quality olive oil can benefit our children.  These include promoting brain development, providing a rich source of vitamins and reduced risk of obesity.

Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Safe for Adolescents?

Absolutely! Extra virgin olive oil is a safe and nutritious addition to any diet, including for adolescents. Its rich polyphenol content provides numerous health benefits, and it can easily be incorporated into a variety of dishes.

What About Allergies?

Olive oil allergies are extremely rare. However, if your child has a known allergy to olives, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing extra virgin olive oil into their diet.

Can It Replace Other Oils?

Yes, extra virgin olive oil can replace other oils in most recipes. Its mild flavour complements a wide range of dishes, making it a versatile and healthy alternative to other cooking oils.

Practical Tips for Including Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Your Diet

Simple Swaps

One of the easiest ways to include extra virgin olive oil in your family’s diet is by making simple swaps. Use it as a replacement for butter or margarine when cooking or baking. Drizzle it over salads, vegetables, or pasta for added flavor and health benefits.

Delicious Recipes

Incorporate extra virgin olive oil into your meals with these delicious recipes:

• Olive Oil and Herb Salad Dressing: Mix extra virgin olive oil with your favourite herbs for a tasty and heart-healthy salad dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favourite vegetables in extra virgin olive oil and roast them for a nutritious side dish.
• Olive Oil Cake: Use extra virgin olive oil in place of butter for a moist and flavourful cake that’s perfect for any occasion.