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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 delve into the remarkable health benefits of olive oil, particularly its role in mitigating the effects of lipotoxicity—a condition linked to obesity and characterized by harmful fat accumulation in non-fat tissues, which leads to insulin resistance, heart disease, and other metabolic issues. A recent review highlights how effective interventions, including lifestyle changes like healthy eating, regular exercise, and medications targeting energy balance, are crucial in combating lipotoxicity. Among these, the Mediterranean diet, which is especially rich in extra virgin olive oil, has been shown to reduce liver triglyceride levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear, olive oil can reduce inflammation and improve insulin resistance, underlining its potential health benefits. Furthermore, recent research emphasizes olive oil’s positive impact on gut microbiota, promoting diversity that enhances lipid metabolism and supports overall metabolic health.
In this sense, a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition sheds light on the connection between age-related brain atrophy and cognitive decline, emphasizing that factors like type 2 diabetes and inflammation can accelerate this process. The DIRECT-PLUS trial, which explores the impact of a caloric-restricted Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil on brain atrophy, revealed a remarkable 50% reduction in hippocampal atrophy compared to a control group. Additionally, the study found that metabolic parameters, particularly glycemic control, play a vital role in maintaining brain health and potentially promoting a younger brain age, as demonstrated by MRI assessments and the hippocampal occupancy score.
These findings further reinforce the integral role of olive oil, particularly within the Mediterranean diet, as a powerful tool for promoting long-term metabolic and cognitive health.
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