Lower Blood Pressure Solution Linked to Olive Oil & the Mediterranean Diet
By: Ray Darken
Here's some great news for those who are concerned about their blood pressure or someone close to them suffering from high blood pressure. SBP (systolic blood pressure) may yet become a thing of the past if olive oil has its way. It seems that a moderate intake of olive oil, which is a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet, was successful in reducing the blood pressure of healthy men who commonly dont eat a Mediterranean-style diet.
A new study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, set to keep consumer interest in olive oil high, which followed other studies linking the diet to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease or CVD and different types of cancer.
The researchers behind the new study, led by Isabel Bondia-Pons from University of Barcelona, randomly assigned 110 healthy men from non-Mediterranean countries (Germany, Finland and Denmark) and 45 men from Mediterranean regions (Spain and Italy) to include one of three similar olive oils (25 millilitres per day) in their diets.
The cross-over trial consisted of three three-week intervention periods separated by two two-week wash-out periods.
The researchers reported blood levels of oleic acid increased by two to three per cent in the men from the non-Mediterranean countries or regions, while the men from Mediterranean regions did not exhibit a significant increase in blood oleic acid levels. Importantly, at the end of the total nine-week intervention period, the researchers reported that the systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the non-Mediterranean men decreased significantly by three per cent, compared to baseline measurements.
The results of this study suggest that a moderate consumption of olive oil may be used as an effective tool to reduce SBP of healthy men who do not typically consume a Mediterranean diet.
The researchers called for additional studies, particularly with a longer duration, to verify whether small changes or modifications in diet can be made, which would then become habitual and perhaps more attractive to non users.
The results could have implications for people with elevated blood pressure (hypertension). There are millions of people with hypertension, defined as having blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg. The condition is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which causes almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and is reported to cost billions of dollars per year across the globe.
Supplied by Ray Darken - who was the major contributor to this original, verified Mediterranean diet cook book. If you'd like more news and broader access to diet reviews and nutrition information try online diet reviews & tips. If this link isn't working, try this http://diet-reviews-and-tips.com
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