Importance of Olive Oil to a Mediterranean Diet

Probably most or all of us have heard of the potential benefits of following a Mediterranean type diet pattern, which is typically rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts, beans, and seeds, with only low to moderate consumption of red meat and wine.  Many of the possible benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been attributed to olive oil; however, the mechanisms by which olive oil might be beneficial are uncertain.

In a new study (free to download), researchers examined the effect of consuming virgin olive oil on genes related to human health.  For their study, the investigators provided volunteers with olive oil - based breakfasts that were either (1) rich in olive oil polyphenols or (2) low in olive oil polyphenols.  Changes in the way certain genes were expressed were analyzed in white blood cells during the 4 hours immediately following the breakfast.  Results of this analysis showed that:

• Breakfast with high polyphenol virgin olive oil reduced the expression of 79 genes, many of which are involved the inflammation process.
• In contrast, consuming the high-polyphenol virgin olive oil increased the expression of 19 genes.
• Many of the gene expression changes were related to obesity, heart health, and blood sugar health.
• Overall, the researchers concluded that virgin olive oil rich in polyphenols appears to reduce an individual's inflammatory profile.

Current research suggests that many chronic health concerns might be related to increased inflammation.  Therefore decreasing inflammation has the potential to support aspects of normal human health.  This new study shows that olive oil rich in polyphenol compounds, typically extra virgin olive oil, might support normal human health by reducing chronic inflammation.

Eating healthy, whether it be a Mediterranean diet or other diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.  My soy protein bars are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and calcium, making them a good choice as part of a healthy diet.