Olive Oil Is Benefit Heart Health

Olive Oil Is A Rich Source
Of Key Polyphenols
To Benefit Heart Health

Daily doses of polyphenol-rich
olive oil may boost levels of an
antibody that counters oxidized
LDL cholesterol, helping reduce
the risk of artery hardening and
heart disease, reported from a
new study five European countries.

According to results from the
"EurOlive Study", a daily dose of
olive oil polyphenols increased levels
of oxidized LDL autoantibodies (OLAB), which reduced
levels of oxidized LDL, an accepted risk factor for artery
hardening (atherosclerosis).

The study involves researchers from universities in
five European countries and is examining the potential
benefits of consuming polyphenol-rich olive oil at
optimum amounts.

"A direct protective role of OLAB on atherosclerosis
generation has been previously established and our
results provide further support to recommend the use of
polyphenol-rich olive oil as a source of fat, particularly for
individuals presenting a high oxidative status," wrote the
researchers in Clinical Nutrition.

Olive oil phenolic compounds, such as oleuropein and
cafeic acid have attracted attention because of their
potential anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-
inflammatory properties. Such compounds have been
also associated with the antioxidant activity of olive oil.

The researchers recruited 200 health men and randomly
assigned them to three week intervention sequences to
consume 25 milliliters per day of olive oils containing
different levels of phenolic compounds. The high group's
dose was 366 mg per kg of olive oil, the medium dose
was 164 mg/kg, and low dose was 2.7 mg/kg.

Results showed that OLAB levels were inversely
associated with oxidized LDL levels and that consumption
of the polyphenol-rich oil was associated with an increase
in OLAB levels. Indeed, the increase in OLAB levels were
dose-dependent, so the higher the polyphenol content,
the greater the OLAB increase, said the researchers.

"In our European populations we observed an inverse
relationship between oxLDL concentrations and OLAB,"
wrote the researchers.

"On the basis of our results two mechanisms could
be implied in high OLAB levels linked to high olive oil
phenolic compounds: 1) an immune response stimulation
by olive oil phenolic compounds, and 2) a lack of
clearance of free OLABS due to a reduction in oxLDL
levels by olive oil phenolic compounds," they concluded.

Source: Clinical Nutrition

Published online 10.1016/j.clnu.2011

"The effect of olive oil polyphenols on antibodies
against oxidized LDL. A randomized clinical trial"

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice,

diagnosis or treatment.