Health
Traditionally a low-fat diet has been prescribed to prevent various diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. While studies have shown that high-fat diets may increase the risk of certain diseases such as cancer and diabetes, it appears that it is the type of fat that counts rather than the amount of fat. We now know that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats such as the ones found in olive oil, nuts and seeds actually protects from many of these chronic diseases.
A recent Spanish study published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care showed that a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil reduces the risk of type II diabetes by almost 50 percent compared to a low-fat diet. Type II diabetes is the most common and preventable form of diabetes.
See Also:Olive Oil Health Benefits
Individuals who are obese or overweight and have metabolic syndrome are at the highest risk for developing this form of diabetes. The study is part of PREDIMED, a long-term nutritional intervention study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and is composed of a multidisciplinary team of 16 groups distributed in 7 autonomous communities in Spain.
The study included 418 participants who did not have diabetes. Each participant was randomly assigned to either a low-fat diet, a Mediterranean diet with olive oil (up to 1 liter a week), or a Mediterranean diet with nuts (30 grams a day). After 4 years 17.9 percent of the individuals following the low-fat diet developed diabetes, while only 10 percent of the participants following the Mediterranean with olive oil diet developed the disease.
When the two MedDiet groups (olive oil and nut groups) were pooled and compared with the low-fat group, diabetes incidence was reduced by 52 percent. It is important to note that the reduction of diabetes risk was independent of changes in body weight or physical activity and that the Mediterranean diets that were followed were not calorie-restricted.
Previous studies have shown that a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil may prevent the appearance of type II diabetes by improving blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and blood lipid levels.
More articles on: diabetes, Mediterranean diet, olive oil health
Jul. 18, 2023
Research Explores Olive Oil Co-Extraction with Olive Leaves, Herbs and Spices
A research review examined how milling olives with olive leaves, herbs and spices could increase the polyphenol content of the resulting oil.
Jun. 13, 2023
Study Reveals Insights Into the Impact of Olive Oil Fats on Essential Cell Structures
The study found that worms consuming oleic acid lived longer than worms eating a standard diet. Whether these findings relate to humans requires more research.
Aug. 31, 2023
The Importance of Choosing Healthy Snacks for Your Overall Health
Choosing healthy snacks can be beneficial for overall health, even if you snack frequently.
Jul. 13, 2023
Consuming Oleuropein May Mitigate the Effects of Aging on Muscular Atrophy
New research purports to demonstrate that aged mice which ate a diet supplemented with olive leaf extract rich in oleuropein increased muscle mass.
Nov. 14, 2023
Mediterranean Diet Linked to Improved Outcomes in Liver Disease Patients
Following the Mediterranean diet for one year improved the symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese patients over the age of 60.
Jun. 22, 2023
Drinking Olive Fruit Water Can Aid Exercise Efficiency, Research Suggests
Olive fruit water is a by-product typically thrown away during olive oil production. However, its antioxidants may hold benefits for recreational athletes.
May. 23, 2023
Researchers Investigate Role of Bioactive Compounds in Neurodegenerative Diseases
The researchers focused on studies investigating the flavonoids, polyphenols and other phenolic compounds found in extra virgin olive oil and the Mediterranean diet.
Nov. 27, 2023
Mediterranean Diet Helps Slow Age-Related Physical Decline, Study Finds
New research has shown that following a reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet and increasing physical activity slows age-associated muscle loss and reduces total and visceral fat.