Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Critical Ingredient Driving the Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet? A Narrative Review

Abstract

Most chronic diseases are preventable with a healthy diet, although there is debate about the optimal dietary approach. Increasingly more countries are focusing on food-based guidelines rather than the traditional nutrient-based approach. Although there is good agreement on plant foods, controversy remains about the types and amounts of fats and oils. This narrative review aims to systematically summarize and evaluate the latest evidence on the protective effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on disease risk factors. A systematic search of the relevant literature using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases was conducted for the years 2000 through December 2022. A narrative synthesis was then undertaken. Of 281 retrieved articles, 34 articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were included. Compared with other dietary fats and low-fat diets, EVOO is superior in the management of clinical biomarkers including lowering blood pressure and LDL-c, increasing protective HDL-c, improving glycemic control, and weight management. The protective effects of EVOO are likely due to its polyphenol content rather than the monounsaturated fat content. It is therefore important to promote the regular use of EVOO in the context of healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet for maximal health benefit.

The Role of Parental Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Family Time Together in Children’s Weight Status: The BeE-School Project

“…The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are linked to various factors, with one key element being the consumption of extra virgin olive oil as the primary added fat [5]. In their narrative review, Flynn and colleagues [5] identified that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil provides superior benefits in managing clinical biomarkers, including weight management and glycemic control.…”

“…The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are linked to various factors, with one key element being the consumption of extra virgin olive oil as the primary added fat [5]. In their narrative review, Flynn and colleagues [5] identified that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil provides superior benefits in managing clinical biomarkers, including weight management and glycemic control. These protective effects of extra virgin olive oil appear to be associated with its polyphenol content rather than its monounsaturated fat content, contrary to previous considerations [5].…”

“…In their narrative review, Flynn and colleagues [5] identified that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil provides superior benefits in managing clinical biomarkers, including weight management and glycemic control. These protective effects of extra virgin olive oil appear to be associated with its polyphenol content rather than its monounsaturated fat content, contrary to previous considerations [5]. The inclusion of mixed nuts in the Mediterranean diet also provides potential health benefits [6].…”

Olive Oil Polyphenols Improve HDL Cholesterol and Promote Maintenance of Lipid Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Yet, olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has always been recognized as a symbol of the Mediterranean diet. A high consumption of EVOO, ranging from 15.3 to 23 kg per capita/year, is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and is one of the main differences from other healthy diets [10,11]. Historically, the olive tree (otherwise known as Olea europea L.) is a well-known evergreen tree in the Mediterranean basin, which is characterized by slow growth and an extremely long life expectancy, of up to 1000 years [9,10].…”

“…This species is one of the most important trees for the Mediterranean economy, providing many commercial products, such as food, timber, and cosmetics. However, oil remains the most important product provided by Olea Europea L. [9,11].…”