Researchers at La Trobe University have made an exciting discovery: high-quality olive oil might help lower blood pressure.
This finding adds to the growing evidence that the Mediterranean diet—known for its use of olive oil—is good for your heart.
Olive oil has long been a key part of the Mediterranean way of eating. Unlike many other oils, extra virgin olive oil is less processed and keeps many of its healthy nutrients. These nutrients help protect the heart and may lower the risk of disease.
What makes olive oil special? It’s rich in natural compounds called polyphenols. These are tiny plant-based substances found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and of course, olive oil.
Polyphenols act as antioxidants, which means they help protect the body’s cells from damage. Olive oil that has a high amount of polyphenols is especially powerful when it comes to health benefits.
To test the effects of olive oil on blood pressure, researchers gathered 50 healthy adults and divided them into two groups.
One group consumed olive oil high in polyphenols, while the other group consumed olive oil with fewer polyphenols. Each person took about 60 milliliters—roughly four tablespoons—of their assigned olive oil every day for three weeks.
To see what effect the oil had, the scientists measured blood pressure in two ways. One way used the common blood pressure cuff found in clinics. The other way used a special method that gives more detail about blood pressure near the heart.
The results were clear. People who used the high-polyphenol olive oil had a noticeable drop in their blood pressure. The researchers believe that regularly including this kind of olive oil in your diet may help prevent heart disease.
Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range is very important, especially as we get older. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious problems. This study suggests that adding good-quality olive oil to your meals may be a simple way to protect your heart.
However, the researchers also point out that more studies are needed. They want to better understand how olive oil affects other parts of heart health, such as blood pressure over time and the flexibility of the arteries.
Other ways to help manage blood pressure include cutting back on added sugar, especially from processed foods and sugary drinks. People with diabetes may also benefit from vitamin D, which could help lower their blood pressure.
In short, adding a little high-quality olive oil to your daily meals might be a tasty and heart-friendly choice. Not only does it add flavor, but it could also support your overall health. As scientists continue to study the benefits of olive oil, its reputation as a natural way to help the heart keeps getting stronger.
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