Introduction:

High cholesterol levels have long been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, the scientific community has unearthed a culinary ally in the fight against bad cholesterol (LDL). Studies have consistently shown that EVOO contains an abundance of phenolic compounds that can help lower LDL cholesterol. A 2015 study published in *Nutrition & Diabetes* found that EVOO consumption improved post-prandial blood glucose and LDL cholesterol levels in healthy subjects, making it a heart-healthy choice [1]. So, when you reach for your salad dressing, consider the golden goodness of EVOO over corn oil for a heart-healthy meal.

The Sugar Spike Solution

The post-meal blood sugar spike can be a perilous journey for those at risk of diabetes. EVOO, however, offers a lifeline in this sugar-laden sea. Studies have revealed that EVOO can help regulate blood sugar levels, especially when compared to meals prepared with corn oil. Its phenolic compounds work their magic, making it a preferred choice for sautéing vegetables, onions, garlic, and more. Dive into the science behind your culinary choices and opt for EVOO to keep those blood sugar spikes at bay.

EVOO’s Anti-Cancer Arsenal

The battle against cancer rages on, and the Mediterranean diet, enriched with EVOO, has emerged as a potent weapon. EVOO’s phenolic compounds are believed to possess anti-cancer properties. In a 2015 study published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*, the inclusion of EVOO in the Mediterranean diet was associated with a significant reduction in breast cancer risk among older, overweight women [3]. The secret to its cancer-fighting prowess lies in these polyphenols, making EVOO a formidable ally in the war against cancer.

Atherosclerosis and EVOO: A Science-Backed Story

Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arterial walls, is a harbinger of heart disease. EVOO’s effects on this insidious condition have been explored in-depth. Research published in the *FASEB Journal* in 2010 found that EVOO outperformed regular olive oil in reducing atherosclerosis and inflammation in both human and laboratory studies [4]. This evidence underscores the superior cardiovascular benefits of EVOO and its potential to keep arteries clear.

The HDL Hero: EVOO’s Contribution to Good Cholesterol

Cholesterol isn’t all bad. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often dubbed the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from artery walls, promoting cardiovascular health. A 2019 meta-analysis published in the *Frontiers of Nutrition Journal* confirmed that EVOO can increase blood HDL levels, further enhancing its reputation as a heart-healthy choice [5]. The golden elixir’s ability to boost HDL levels is a boon for those seeking to maintain their heart’s well-being.

EVOO and the Enigma of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune disease, and the search for its triggers has led researchers to examine dietary factors. A study published in November 2020 in the *Journal of Clinical Investigation* presented intriguing findings. It suggested that insufficient intake of olive oil might contribute to the development and progression of MS [6]. MS patients often exhibit low levels of oleic acid, the primary fat in olive oil. Researchers have homed in on oleic acid’s impact on T-regulatory cells, or Treg cells, which play a pivotal role in immune system regulation.

In MS patients, Treg cells become dysfunctional, allowing other immune cells to attack the body’s normal tissues and promote inflammation. This phenomenon lies at the core of autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune cells turn against its own tissues. For individuals with MS, this means immune cells attacking and destroying the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cables, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. The 2020 study exposed Treg cells from MS patients to arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fat found in high-fat meat products, and oleic acid from olive oil. Remarkably, Treg cells exposed to arachidonic acid displayed increased activity of genes that promote inflammation, whereas exposure to oleic acid induced changes in Treg cell genes that restored normal function. This restoration could suppress the action of other immune cells involved in the progression of MS.

The Mediterranean Diet Connection

The Mediterranean diet, which prominently features olive oil, has long been associated with a decreased risk of developing MS. Case-control studies have provided evidence of this connection [7]. Furthermore, research with MS patients has demonstrated that a low-fat diet, supplemented with omega-3 fats and the inclusion of olive oil, can offer moderate benefits to those suffering from MS [8]. These findings highlight the potential of dietary choices, such as adopting a Mediterranean diet, to mitigate the risk and impact of autoimmune diseases like MS.

Flaxseed Oil’s Role in MS Prevention

While olive oil takes center stage, another dietary component, flaxseed oil, emerges as a potential player in MS prevention. A study published in *Multiple Sclerosis Journal* in 2017 showed that a higher consumption of alpha-linolenic acid, the main omega-3 fat found in flaxseed oil, reduced the risk of developing MS by approximately 40% [9]. Interestingly, fish and fish oil consumption did not yield the same protective effect in this study. Thus, incorporating flaxseed oil into your diet may also be a modifiable lifestyle factor in the prevention of MS, emphasizing the importance of healthy fat choices.

Conclusion: The Power of Healthy Fats and Polyphenols

In the quest for optimal health and the prevention of degenerative and autoimmune diseases, the choices we make in our daily diet matter. Extra virgin olive oil, with its wealth of polyphenols, stands as a shining example of a culinary choice with scientifically proven health benefits. From regulating cholesterol and blood sugar to battling cancer and potentially protecting against Multiple Sclerosis, EVOO’s versatility in promoting health is undeniable. As we navigate the world of nutrition, let us remember the wisdom of choosing foods rich in healthy fats and polyphenols while avoiding those that promote inflammation. It’s a small dietary change that can make a world of difference in our well-being, providing us with a golden elixir of health for years to come.

References

1. Violi F, Loffredo L, Pignatelli P, Angelico F, Bartimoccia S, Nocella C, Cangemi R, Petruccioli A, Monticolo R, Pastori D, Carnevale R. “Extra virgin olive oil use is associated with improved post-prandial blood glucose and LDL cholesterol in healthy subjects.” *Nutrition & Diabetes* (2015) 5, e172; 20 July 2015.
2. Oleocanthol phenolic compound kills cancer cells: [Link](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26380379)
3. Extra virgin olive oil shown to reduce breast cancer risk in older, overweight women:                                                                                                   [Link](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2434738&resultClick=1)
4. Extra virgin olive oil outperforms regular olive oil in studies looking at atherosclerosis and inflammation:                                                         [Link](https://www.fasebj.org/content/24/7/2546)
5. Extra virgin olive oil increases blood HDL levels (meta-analysis): [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6379345/)
6. Pompura SL, et al. “Oleic acid restores suppressive defects in tissue-resident FOXP3 Tregs from patients with multiple sclerosis.” *The Journal of Clinical Investigation*. Nov. 2019.
7. Sedaghat F et al. “Mediterranean diet adherence and risk of multiple sclerosis: a case-control study.” *Asia Pac J Clin Nutr*, 2016, 25; 2 : 377-384.
8. Wernstock-Guttman et al. “Low-fat dietary intervention with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in multiple sclerosis patients.” 2005, 73;3: 397-404.
9. Bjornevik K et al. “Polyunsaturated fatty acids and the risk of multiple sclerosis.” *Mult Scler Journal*, 2017, 23;14: 1830-1838.

Dr. Meschino