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This week on the Olive Health Information System website
The newsletter of the University of Navarra and the IOC dedicated to health
This week we bring you the latest research on the health effects of olive oil and its essential role in the Mediterranean diet. The benefits of this dietary pattern are evident from childhood and extend into old age, as demonstrated by the articles referenced today. These benefits are observed in widespread diseases such as cardiovascular disease, as well as less common conditions like multiple sclerosis, which, despite being less common, carry a significant disease burden.
In this week’s summary, we highlight two articles that delve into the mechanisms behind these benefits, thanks to the research on biomarkers and gene expression.
The first study, part of the PREDIMED trial, has contributed significantly to raising awareness about extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In this study, the Mediterranean diet, especially when supplemented with EVOO, was found to modulate genes (CDKN2A, IFNG, NLRP3, PIK3CB, TGFB2) associated with both cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases in older adults. After one year on this diet, significant changes were observed in the expression of key genes involved in inflammation and immune responses, offering further evidence of the Mediterranean diet’s protective role in brain and heart health.
Another study, based on data from over 16,000 participants from the NHANES cohort, explored the connection between various healthy eating patterns—including the Mediterranean diet—and biological aging. Results suggest that diets rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as olive oil, help slow biological aging, as measured by blood biomarkers. This deceleration is linked to reduced inflammation and lower blood lipid levels, highlighting the positive impact of a high-quality diet on aging and overall health.
Finally, we highlight a third article that addresses a different subject matter: the impact of the Mediterranean diet on ovarian cancer survival. Patients with a higher intake of Mediterranean foods, including olive oil, both before and after their diagnosis, showed improved survival rates. These findings suggest that maintaining a consistent Mediterranean diet may contribute to better cancer outcomes, further emphasizing the health benefits of this dietary approach.
In all these studies, olive oil—central to the Mediterranean diet—stands out as a key component in promoting healthy aging, reducing disease risk, and improving long-term health outcomes.
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