Mediterranean Diet Rich In Virgin Olive Oil Could Prevent Heart And Blood Vessel Diseases

• comments
• 
• 

A new study suggests that Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil could reduce the risk of heart-related diseases. High level of serum low-density lipoproteins (LDL) also known as the bad cholesterol and triglycerides are forms of blood fat that cause cardiovascular problems.

Unlike other foods, the Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil may boost the cardioprotective jobs of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) called good cholesterol. These are lipoproteins that help in expelling extra cholesterol from the bloodstream.

According to the latest research that was published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation, researchers randomly picked 296 participants. They are at high risk of cardiovascular disorder engaging in the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) study.

Blood samples were extracted from the members at the onset of the study and another collection at the end. Those participants, who have an average age of 66 were randomly designated to one of the three diets for one year.

This three diet plan involves a Mediterranean diet enriched with 4 tablespoons of virgin olive oil and a handful of nuts, both consume each day. Another was the healthy control diet that decreased consumption of red meat, processed food, high-fat dairy products and sweets.

The healthy control diet includes fruit, vegetables, beans, chickpeas, lentils, and whole grains. Whereas, both the Mediterranean diets included controlled supplies of fish and poultry.

According to Knowridge Science Report, the researchers discovered that only the control diet lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels. The Mediterranean diets didn't elevate HDL levels in a pronounce manner but both enhance HDL function.

However, the Mediterranean diet with virgin olive oil yields a higher HDL performance improvement. Senior study author Montserrat Fitó, M.D., Ph.D. and her team found that this type of Mediterranean diet enhanced vital HDL functions. These include the reverse cholesterol transport, antioxidant protection and vasodilator capacity.

As per the team, distinctions in results between the diets were somewhat minor. This was because, the changes of the Mediterranean diets were modest, and the control diet was a healthy one.

In addition, the study outcomes primarily concentrated on a high cardiovascular risk population, who can acquire the most gains from this diet interference. Nevertheless, "following a Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil could protect our cardiovascular health in several ways, including making our 'good cholesterol' work in a more complete way," Fitó said.