Extra Virgin Olive Oil's Benefits for Obesity and Diabetes

Inside the Spanish study

The study, carried out in April by the Instituto de la Grasa, the research centre of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, in collaboration with the Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga and the University of Malaga, has unveiled promising findings that can have a significant impact on individuals struggling with these health conditions. These findings have recently been published in the official journal of the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.

The research demonstrates that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in biophenols such as oleocanthal and oleacein, can lead to notable improvements in weight management, a reduction in body mass index (BMI), and lower blood sugar levels. Remarkably, these positive effects were not observed when ordinary olive oil was consumed.

What the researchers say

Aránzazu García Borrego, one of the study's researchers, noted, "This study has determined the beneficial effects on the health of 91 people of an olive oil rich in these phenols compared to olive oil, which contains seven times less of these compounds. After 30 days of taking it, their oxidative and inflammatory status improved significantly, indicating that this type of oil induces a healthier profile."

The coordinator of the study, Javier Bermúdez, emphasised the significance of these findings, stating, "These results place oleocanthal- and oleacein-rich olive oils one step above other types of olive oil in terms of health benefits, providing scientific evidence for their use as a source of fat in the diet of people with obesity."

Beyond oleic acid

It is noteworthy that until recently, the prevailing belief was that the health benefits of olive oil were primarily attributed to the presence of oleic acid, a type of fatty acid. However, the study now suggests that many of these beneficial effects stem from various compounds present in virgin olive oil, specifically the biophenols.

This research highlights the potential for incorporating extra virgin olive oil into the diets of individuals dealing with obesity and early-stage diabetes to improve their overall health and well-being. Additionally, it underscores the role of specific biophenols in contributing to these positive outcomes, offering a new perspective on the potential health benefits of this dietary choice.

This article was brought to you by HealthPlan, the expat health insurance in Spain specialists.

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