February 22 2021
Beneficial impact of olive oil on type 2 diabetes
The PREDIMED study provides solid evidence concerning the impacts of olive oil and the Mediterranean diet on the prevention or improvement of health factors that influence Type 2 diabetes. During the study, a vast majority of subjects affected by the condition lost weight as well as inches around the waistline, and saw their glycemic profile improve (better glucose metabolism) by following this healthy food plan.[1],[2],[3] Other studies also show that a Mediterranean diet has beneficial effects to prevent and treat chronic diseases such as diabetes.[4]
Furthermore, studies indicate that virgin or extra virgin olive oil also has a positive effect on glycemia.[5] Healthy fats, like the monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil, seem to act by reducing insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity. They could therefore improve glycemic control.[6],[7],[8]
The polyphenols present in virgin or extra virgin olive oil can also positively impact glucose metabolism, particularly by facilitating the absorption of glucose in body tissues, which helps lower glycemia after a healthy and balanced meal.[9]
[1]Estruch, Ramón, et coll. « Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts: NEJM. » New England Journal of Medicine, 4 Oct. 2018, www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1800389.
[2]De Santis, Stefania, et coll. « Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Lesson from Nutrigenomics. » Nutrients, MDPI, 4 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770023/.
[3]Mazzocchi, Alessandra, et coll. « The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter? » Nutrients, MDPI, 3 Déc. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6949890/.
[4]Mazzocchi, Alessandra, et coll. « The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter? » Nutrients, MDPI, 3 Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6949890/.
[5]Mazzocchi, Alessandra, et al. “The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter?” Nutrients, MDPI, 3 Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6949890/.
[6]Mazzocchi, Alessandra, et al. “The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter?” Nutrients, MDPI, 3 Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6949890/.
[7]De Santis, Stefania, et al. “Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Lesson from Nutrigenomics.” Nutrients, MDPI, 4 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770023/.
[8]Marcelino G;Hiane PA;Freitas KC;Santana LF;Pott A;Donadon JR;Guimarães RCA; “Effects of Olive Oil and Its Minor Components on Cardiovascular Diseases, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Aug. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722810/.
[9]Mazzocchi, Alessandra, et al. “The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter?” Nutrients, MDPI, 3 Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6949890/.