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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
Extra virgin olive oil, often called the “golden liquid” of the Mediterranean diet, has seen a notable rise in global consumption—thanks largely to its well-documented health benefits. Its positive effects are primarily attributed to its unique profile of monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds.
A recent review examined the role of the Mediterranean diet in addressing weight loss and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children and adolescents. The findings highlight its ability to support modest weight loss and improve metabolic health. Specifically, the diet has been associated with better insulin sensitivity, improved glucose and lipid metabolism, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. These benefits contribute to a lower prevalence and severity of MASLD. The Mediterranean diet’s high content of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, along with its low intake of refined sugars, plays a key role in preventing fat accumulation and liver inflammation. Overall, it represents a promising nutritional strategy to manage obesity-related metabolic disorders and support liver health across age groups.
Additional evidence comes from a randomized controlled trial comparing the Mediterranean diet—enriched with extra virgin olive oil—to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) diet. Participants who followed the Mediterranean diet experienced a significant reduction in waist circumference, body fat percentage, resting metabolic rate, and fasting insulin levels, as well as an increase in lean body mass. These results underscore the Mediterranean diet’s superior effectiveness in improving body composition and maintaining metabolic health compared to the AGHE diet.
Other articles mentioned this week in the OHIS newsletter:
Extra virgin olive oil
Importance of malaxation conditions to virgin olive oil polar phenolic compounds content.
Metabolic health nutritional
Well-being
Mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues
