Scientific Breakthrough: Mediterranean Diet and Olive Oil Positively Change Gene Function

Olive oil is the principal source of dietary fat in the traditional Mediterranean diet. Unrefined virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenol compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting effects. Previous studies suggest that olive oil and the Mediterranean diet have heart-healthy benefits. Now breakthrough research reports that the Mediterranean diet and virgin olive oil change gene function to protect the heart. This is the first study to show how our genes positively respond to foods in the Mediterranean diet.

The Study

The study, published in FASEB Journal, investigated the effects of the traditional Mediterranean diet (TMD) and olive oil on atherosclerosis-related genes. Atherosclerosis is the build-up of arterial plaque that can lead to heart disease and stroke. Researchers from the Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group in Barcelona, Spain administered three diets to 90 healthy adults for three months. The first diet was a traditional Mediterranean diet with virgin olive oil high in polyphenols; the second diet was a traditional Mediterranean diet with olive oil low in polyphenols; and the third diet was the participant's usual diet.

The Results

The researchers found that first diet group had a decreased expression (down-regulation) of atherosclerosis-related genes in their immune peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Findings also revealed that virgin olive oil and a Mediterranean diet decreased markers for oxidative stress (free radical cell damage), insulin resistance and inflammation.

The Main Point:

"Our results indicate a significant role of olive oil polyphenols in the down-regulation of proatherogenic genes in the context of a TMD [traditional Mediterranean diet]", the study authors write. "In addition, the benefits associated with a TMD and olive oil polyphenol consumption on cardiovascular risk can be mediated through nutrigenomic effects."

This study is significant because it shows for the first time how virgin olive oil and a Mediterranean diet positively affect our gene function. This discovery may help create future nutritional therapies using olive oil and other Mediterranean diet foods.

Sources

Konstantinidou V et al. In vivo nutrigenomic effects of virgin olive oil polyphenols within the frame of the Mediterranean diet: a randomized controlled trial. FASEB J. 2010 Jul;24(7):2546-57. Epub 2010 Feb 23.

Gavalas, Elaine. Secrets of Fat-Free Greek Cooking. Penguin Putnam Avery. elainegavalas.com.