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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
At the heart of the Mediterranean diet lies a golden thread—extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)—whose virtues continue to captivate scientists and clinicians alike. More than a culinary tradition, olive oil emerges as a powerful ally in the pursuit of health, weaving its influence through chronic disease prevention, metabolic balance, and cardiovascular resilience. This week, we delve into three recent studies that illuminate its role in human well-being, from the gut to the heart.
The EFINUTRILES study explored the effects of EVOO supplementation combined with a healthy lifestyle intervention in women living with systemic lupus erythematosus. After 24 weeks, participants receiving EVOO—especially those also engaging in regular physical activity and health education—experienced significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and body composition. While no changes in disease activity were reported, the findings support the potential of non-pharmacological interventions as valuable complements to standard medical treatments.
A recent systematic review brings further insight into the Mediterranean diet’s power to shape gut health. Rich in fiber, healthy fats, and bioactive compounds—particularly those in EVOO—this dietary pattern fosters the growth of beneficial microbiota. These microbes, in turn, produce short-chain fatty acids that reinforce gut barrier function, reduce systemic inflammation, and support metabolic and cognitive function. The review underscores the Mediterranean diet’s capacity to act as both nourishment and prevention—especially in the context of precision nutrition.
Lastly, a large-scale meta-analysis involving over half a million participants found a compelling association between olive oil consumption and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The data revealed a 13% risk reduction in cohort studies and 22% in clinical trials, with the strongest effects seen in individuals over 50 and when EVOO was specifically used. A dose-response analysis suggests that consuming 10 to 20 grams of olive oil daily offers optimal preventive benefits— which is an achievable amount within the context of a balanced daily diet.
Other articles mentioned this week in the OHIS newsletter:
Olive Oils
Effect of olive oil consumption on diabetes risk: a dose-response meta-analysis.
Aging
Dietary Factors and Cognitive Function: with a Focus on Subjective Cognitive Decline.
Children & Adolescents
Nutritional Habits in 8-11-Year-Old Spanish Children According to Their Gender.
Enhancing Adolescent Food Literacy Through Mediterranean Diet Principles: From Evidence to Practice.
Dietary patterns
Effect of dietary patterns on functional dyspepsia in adults: a systematic review.
Cardiovascular disease
Mediterranean diet
Gut Microbiota
Gut Microbiota Modulation Through Mediterranean Diet Foods: Implications for Human Health.
