Scientists from the Spanish National Research Council have found that olive pomace oil in the diet may help lower blood cholesterol levels.
Nearly two in five adults in the United States have high cholesterol (total blood cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL). Excess cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the country.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and is essential for good health. The body needs cholesterol to perform important functions, such as producing hormones and helping digest fatty foods.
Because the body produces all the cholesterol it needs, experts recommend limiting dietary cholesterol intake as part of a healthy eating plan.
Dietary cholesterol is found in animal-based foods, including meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries when levels are too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as “good” cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
In the current study, researchers examined the effects of olive pomace oil on blood cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure, inflammation, and endothelial function.
Olive pomace oil is derived from the pulp and skins remaining after extra virgin olive oil is extracted. It is commonly used for cooking and also has applications in cosmetics and other industries.
This oil contains antioxidants that support heart health and may help prevent lifestyle-related diseases. It also provides vitamin E, which supports immunity and tissue repair, and vitamin K, which contributes to bone health.
The study included both healthy individuals and people with high blood cholesterol. Participants consumed 45 grams of olive pomace oil daily or high-oleic sunflower oil as a control for four weeks.
The researchers found that olive pomace oil significantly reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and improved the LDL-to-HDL ratio in both healthy participants and those at risk.
These beneficial effects were not observed in participants who consumed the sunflower oil.
The type of oil did not significantly affect blood pressure, peripheral artery function, endothelial function, or inflammation.
Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that regular consumption of olive pomace oil may help lower blood cholesterol levels in both healthy individuals and those at risk of heart disease, potentially contributing to cardiovascular prevention.
The study was conducted by Susana González-Rámila and colleagues and published in The European Journal of Nutrition.
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