New Study Backs Mediterranean Diet And Extra Virgin Olive Oil In Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease

Research Charts Effect Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Infused Diet On 20 Year Incidence of CVD

Summary:

• A 20 year study has reported a new evidence base on the benefits of The Mediterranean Diet (infused with extra virgin olive oil) and Cardiovascular Disease prevention.
• Study showed up to 44% lower 20-year CVD risk for those in highest adherence to Mediterranean Diet.
• The Mediterranean Diet is known for its wide range of health benefits to the Cardiovascular System.
• Regular consumption of Extra Virgin Olive can reduce bad cholesterol and aid lower blood pressure.

Contents:

• Findings Of Study Linking Mediterranean Diet Including Olive Oil With Reduced Heart Disease 
• The Mediterranean Diet And Benefits To Your Heart Health
• How Does Extra Virgin Olive Oil Aid Lower Blood Pressure
• Can Extra Virgin Olive Oil And The Mediterranean Diet Reduce Bad Cholesterol?

A new study is providing some exciting news for those who swear by the Mediterranean Diet and their love of extra virgin olive oil.

A recent paper released in the Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases journal has further added to the evidence base on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. 

Findings Of Study Linking Mediterranean Diet Including Olive Oil With Reduced Heart Disease 

The study, reported in The Olive Wellness Institute, followed nearly 2,000 Greek adults for 20 years, measuring adherence to the Mediterranean diet at baseline and at 10 years.  The study then measured CVD incidence at the 20 year mark, and concluded that the Mediterranean diet offers long term protection against CVD.  Results showed that compared to the lowest tertile of baseline Med diet score, those in the highest tertile had a 44% lower 20 year CVD risk.

This research recently found that consuming a Mediterranean Diet can help in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. This news comes as a breath of fresh air for people who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as cardiovascular disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death globally.

The Mediterranean Diet And Benefits To Your Heart Health

The Mediterranean Diet has long been known for its health benefits, and this new study only further highlights the positive impact it can have. So, if you’re looking to take steps towards a healthy heart, don’t forget to include extra virgin olive oil and the Mediterranean Diet in your routine.

Healthier fat choices such as a quality olive oil are often listed in recommendations for people trying to reduce their chances of heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

For example, the commonly used Eatwell guidance, states:

Unsaturated fats are healthier fats and include vegetable, rapeseed, olive and sunflower oils.  Remember all types of fat are high in energy and should be eaten sparingly.

How Does Extra Virgin Olive Oil Aid Lower Blood Pressure

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is probably the most extensively researched foodstuff on the planet and the health benefits are evidence based. Thanks to the recent spotlight on the Mediterranean Diet, extensive research has been done on the composition of best olive oil. What has been discovered is an extensive list of phytonutrients; one of the most praised is its polyphenols.

Polyphenols have been shown to reduce morbidity and/or slow down the progression of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and cancer diseases. The mechanism of action of polyphenols strongly relates to their antioxidant activity. Polyphenols are known to decrease the level of reactive oxygen species in the human body. In addition, health-promoting properties of plant polyphenols comprise anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-atherogenic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-mutagenic effects. There is a body of research demonstrating their ability to modulate the human immune system by affecting the proliferation and activity of white blood cells, as well as the production of cytokines or other factors that participate in immunological defence.

Can Extra Virgin Olive Oil And The Mediterranean Diet Reduce Bad Cholesterol?

Many of us are looking for ways to improve our health and well-being, and one area of concern that often comes up is cholesterol. Fortunately, there may be a natural solution that can help reduce bad cholesterol: the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

One key component of this diet is extra virgin olive oil, which has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including a positive impact on cholesterol levels. By swapping out less healthy fats for extra virgin olive oil, and incorporating other Mediterranean staples like nuts, fish, and whole grains, you may be able to support your heart health and feel better overall. While it’s always important to talk to your doctor about any big dietary changes, the Mediterranean diet and extra virgin olive oil are certainly worth considering as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Nearly twenty years ago two landmark randomized clinical trials appeared in The Lancet which forever changed the course of medicine for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The 4S study employed a cholesterol-lowering statin drug and reported a 30% mortality reduction. The Lyon Diet Heart Study utilized the Mediterranean diet and reported a 70% mortality reduction. Subsequent studies of the Mediterranean diet have confirmed these findings and have also shown a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Subsequent statin studies have led the United States Food and Drug Administration to issue warnings regarding the increased risk of diabetes and decreased cognition with statin drugs. Paradoxically, statins have gone on to become a multi-billion dollar industry and the foundation of many cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines while the Mediterranean diet has often been ignored.