Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet’s benefit of lowering hepatic fat may be linked to the reduction of risk factors for chronic disease.
A study found the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) was more effective than a low-fat diet in reducing hepatic fat (HF), which refers to liver fat.
Since elevated HF is linked to serious diseases, the discovery has implications for wellness that extend far beyond liver health.
(The) Mediterranean/low-carbohydrate diet induced a greater decrease in hepatic fat content than low-fat diet, and the beneficial health effects were beyond the favorable effects of visceral fat loss.- researchers on the study
The study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, examined whether losses in HF related to dietary interventions were linked to losses in visceral fat, known as abdominal or belly fat.
It involved 278 participants of an average age of 48 with visceral fat and elevated lipids in the blood. The individuals were randomly assigned either a MedDiet or a low-fat diet with and without exercise for 18 months. Visceral fat was measured using magnetic resonance imaging.
See Also:Health NewsAfter six and 18 months, both dietary groups had a reduction in HF, which was tied to a lowering of visceral fat that surpassed what would be expected due to weight loss. Moreover, the MedDiet was associated with a significantly greater decrease in HF and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
“High hepatic fat content is associated with metabolic syndrome, type two diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease,” the researchers wrote. “In this 18-month intervention trial, Mediterranean/low-carbohydrate diet induced a greater decrease in hepatic fat content than low-fat diet, and the beneficial health effects were beyond the favorable effects of visceral fat loss.”
Gynecologist and fertility physician Tina Koopersmith of West Coast Women’s Reproductive Center in Sherman Oaks, California, did not participate in the study, but told Olive Oil Times that the findings make sense to her since Mediterranean diet is not only low in fat, but also full of important nutrients.
“The MedDiet differs from the low-fat diet in various ways,” she said. “It’s much richer in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are present in extra virgin olive oil, avocados and nuts. In addition, it contains less sugar and refined grains than a standard low-fat diet.”
“HF is often seen with dysmetabolic syndrome, a condition of insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure and pre-diabetes,” she added. “Fat in this area is also an indicator or risk factor for cardio-metabolic disorders such as diabetes and heart disease.”
“Results from the study suggest a reversal or improvement in some of the underlying etiologies of today’s common diseases,” she continued. “For years, we have been told that we should avoid all fat in the diet because of the link between HF and certain disorders, as well as the association between atherosclerotic plaque and heart disease. However, people in France and in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea don’t avoid fat in the diet, yet they don’t have the incidence of chronic disease that we see in the United States.”
“In recent years, scientists looking more deeply into the MedDiet have found that its high content of healthy monounsaturated fats and avoidance of refined carbohydrates seem to be associated with better outcomes,” she concluded. “Research also shows that the MedDiet is linked to lower insulin resistance and less deposition of fat in the liver. These effects lead to a better functioning liver with less inflammation in the body, thus translating to better health.”
More articles on: Mediterranean diet, health, olive oil health
Jul. 7, 2023
How to Reuse Olive Oil for Sautéing and Frying
Deep frying with olive oil is healthier than frying with other oils, and it can be reused several times, with some caution, to reduce waste and enhance flavors.
Apr. 9, 2024
The Role of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids in Olive Oil's Health Benefits
Oleic acid, classified as a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), has been extensively studied by scientists over the last decades, consistently demonstrating many positive effects on human health.
Jan. 8, 2024
Mediterranean Diet Tops List for Seventh Year
The U.S. News & World Report cited the diet's variety, flexibility and health benefits.
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.
Oct. 26, 2023
Research Shows the Role of Polyphenols in Inhibiting Cancer Metastasis
Spanish scientists investigated the role of oleocanthal and oleacein in modulating angiogenesis, which is directly related to the progression of different types of tumors.
Aug. 18, 2023
Biophenols in EVOO Linked to Improved Outcomes in Obesity and Prediabetes
Research finds that consuming extra virgin olive oil rich in oleocanthal and oleacein also induces weight loss, a decrease in body mass index and basal glycemia.
Jul. 25, 2023
Patients Respond to Nutrition Guidance Via Telehealth, Study Shows
Intervention through telehealth can positively complement face-to-face care in sustaining dietary and lifestyle changes.
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.