Moderate consumption of olive oil by healthy European men reduces systolic blood pressure in non-Mediterranean participants

J Nutr. 2007 Jan;137(1):84-7. doi: 10.1093/jn/137.1.84.

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of a moderate consumption of olive oil on lipid profile, BMI, and blood pressure (BP) in a group of 160 healthy men from non-Mediterranean regions [Northern Europe (n = 50; Finland and Denmark) and Central Europe (n = 60; Germany)] and Mediterranean regions [Southern Europe (n = 45; Italy and Spain)]. The study was a randomized, cross-over trial with 3 intervention periods of 3 wk and 2 wash-out periods of 2 wk. At the intervention periods, 3 similar olive oils (25 mL/d), differing only in their phenolic concentration, were administered to the healthy volunteers. Plasma oleic acid levels increased 2-3% (P < 0.05) in men from populations with lower habitual olive oil intakes (Northern and Central Europe). General linear models showed that the administration of the sequence of the 3 olive oils was responsible for a 3% decrease in systolic BP (SBP) (P < 0.05), but not in diastolic BP, in the non-Mediterranean subjects. Multivariate analysis indicated that the lipid profile did not change in either Mediterranean or non-Mediterranean men due to the olive oil intervention. 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. However, additional longer trials are necessary for confirmation.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Europe
  • Geography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Olive Oil
  • Plant Oils / pharmacology*
  • Reference Values
  • Systole

Substances

  • Olive Oil
  • Plant Oils