Is olive oil beneficial for heart health?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have just moved to a new country and noticed that olive oil is used in so many dishes here. It is quite different from the oils we commonly use back home, like mustard or coconut oil. I am curious about its nutritional benefits. Is olive oil really as healthy as everyone says? How does it compare to the oils we use in cooking? What specific health benefits does it offer? I have heard it is good for the heart—is that true? Are there any drawbacks to using it? Should I completely switch to olive oil, or is it better to use a variety of oils? Any advice on incorporating it into my diet?

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Inflammation may be one of the main reasons for olive oil's health benefits. Olive oil's primary anti-inflammatory effects come from antioxidants, one of which is oleocanthal. This antioxidant has been shown to function similarly to Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug. There is some evidence that certain nutrients can help reduce brain inflammation, including omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin (a component of turmeric), and green tea. Adding these nutrients to your diet, especially sufficient essential fatty acids, may help alleviate symptoms. As a remedy, olive oil is most commonly used for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is also utilized for managing high cholesterol, cancer, memory and cognitive function, migraines, obesity, and various other conditions. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support many of these additional uses.

A study conducted on mild cognitive impairment patients has shown that intake of extra-virgin olive oil for over 12 months is associated with increased levels of neuroprotective proteins in serum, which in turn are associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, mechanistic evidence from animal and human studies has shown that phenolic compounds in olive oil, particularly extra-virgin olive oil, may attenuate inflammation, and oxidative stress, and restore blood-brain barrier function, thereby reducing brain amyloid-β and tau-related pathologies and improve cognitive function.

I hope this information helps you.

Thanks for using icliniq, and have a nice day.