What Is Olive Oil? Other Names: Common Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Feuille d’Olivier

What is Olive Oil?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is renowned for its health benefits and culinary versatility. Extracted from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea), it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and contains various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, which contribute to its health-promoting properties. Other names include: Common Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Feuille d’Olivier, Huile d’Olive, Huile d’Olive Extra Vierge, Huile d’Olive Vierge, Olivae Oleum, Refined Olive Oil, Virgin Olive Oil.

Nutritional Composition

Olive oil is primarily composed of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which constitutes about 70-80% of its total fat content. It also contains smaller amounts of polyunsaturated and saturated fats. The minor components, such as polyphenols (e.g., oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol), tocopherols, and phytosterols, play a significant role in its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties1 4 6.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Cardiovascular Health

Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of olive oil on cardiovascular health. It helps reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, thereby improving the lipid profile. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases1 3 6 9.

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Olive oil consumption has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and better glucose metabolism, making it beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The presence of oleic acid and polyphenols contributes to these effects by modulating lipid metabolism and enhancing antioxidant capacity4 5 7.

Anti-Cancer Properties

The phenolic compounds in olive oil, such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, have shown potential anti-cancer properties. These compounds can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce apoptosis, thereby reducing the risk of various cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer8.

Gut Health

Olive oil promotes a healthy gut microbiota by increasing the diversity of beneficial bacteria. This can enhance gut health and reduce inflammation, contributing to overall well-being1 6.

Consumer Preferences

Consumer acceptance of olive oil is influenced by various attributes, including taste, color, packaging, and health claims. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of nutritional information and health benefits in shaping consumer preferences. Attributes such as origin, sustainability, and organic certification also play a significant role in consumer choices2.

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Adverse Effects of Olive Oil

Endothelial Function Impairment

Consumption of olive oil, whether fresh or deep-fried, can acutely impair endothelial function and increase triglyceride levels in healthy individuals1.

Refined olive oil without polyphenols does not improve endothelial function, unlike high-polyphenolic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)2.

Lack of Preventive Effects on Ulcerative Colitis

High consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) did not prevent or mitigate symptoms of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute ulcerative colitis in mice, and in some cases, it increased inflammatory markers4.

Sensory and Quality Impact on Dairy Products

Olive oil residues in dairy cow diets altered the fatty acid profile of milk and cheese, leading to adverse sensory attributes such as reduced number of holes, overall odor, and increased acidity in cheeses5.

Potential Adverse Effects in Combination with Other Treatments

When combined with other treatments, such as fig extract, EVOO showed protective effects against cardiac and renal toxicity induced by 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), but the study highlights the need for caution due to potential interactions10.

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How has Olive Oil Improved Patient Outcomes?

Wound Healing and Hospitalization

Olive oil consumption may accelerate wound healing and reduce the duration of hospitalization in burn patients compared to sunflower oil1.

Liver Health

Olive oil can alleviate the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) independent of cardiometabolic corrections, showing significant improvements in fatty liver grade and body fat percentage2.

Mental Health

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) has shown antidepressant effects in patients with severe depression, significantly reducing depression symptoms3.

Trauma and ICU Stay

Olive oil-based nutrition in multiple trauma patients can lead to lower blood glucose levels, reduced carbon dioxide production, shorter mechanical ventilation duration, and shorter ICU stays compared to glucose-based nutrition4.

Cardiovascular Health

Virgin olive oil (VOO) with high phenolic content can reduce plasma oxidized LDL and lipid peroxide levels, increase antioxidant enzyme activities, and lower systolic blood pressure in patients with stable coronary heart disease5.

Olive oil extract enriched with hydroxytyrosol may improve left ventricular diastolic function and arterial elasticity in chronic coronary artery disease patients6.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Combining olive oil with fish oil supplements can enhance clinical improvements in rheumatoid arthritis patients, including reduced joint pain and morning stiffness, and better patient global assessment7.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

High oleocanthal and oleacein extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can improve hematological and apoptotic markers, suggesting potential benefits in early-stage CLL patients8.

Glycemic and Lipid Profile

EVOO improves post-prandial glucose and lipid profiles in patients with impaired fasting glucose, reducing glucose and triglyceride levels while increasing insulin and GLP-1 levels9.

Diabetes Management

Implementing self-directed management practices with olive oil as part of a dietary plan can improve blood glucose levels, HDL, and LDL in type II diabetes patients, reducing short-term complications10.

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Olive Oil Mechanisms of Action

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Olive oil phenolic compounds reduce postprandial inflammatory responses by lowering plasma lipopolysaccharide levels and inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-1B1 9.

Antioxidant Properties

EVOO reduces postprandial oxidative stress by down-regulating NOX2, a key enzyme involved in oxidative stress, and increasing serum vitamin E levels3 9.

Olive oil polyphenols protect LDL from oxidation and down-regulate the expression of pro-atherogenic genes such as CD40 ligand and IL-23α, which are involved in inflammatory processes7.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Olive oil peptides exhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, leading to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive models2.

Olive oil consumption is associated with increased bile flow and excretion of bile acids and cholesterol, contributing to its hypocholesterolemic effects4.

Lipid Metabolism

Olive oil enhances the expression of genes related to cholesterol efflux, such as ATP binding cassette transporter-A1 and scavenger receptor class B type 1, which facilitate the removal of cholesterol from cells to HDL10.

Olive oil consumption prevents the postprandial decrease in HDL cholesterol by competing with HDL for hepatic lipase activity, thereby conserving HDL levels5.

Liver Protection

Olive oil reduces the severity of fatty liver disease and improves liver function markers, independent of cardiometabolic corrections6.

EVOO enhances hepatic antioxidant defenses and mitigates genotoxic and apoptotic effects induced by toxic compounds like 5-hydroxymethylfurfural8.

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Common Complaints Associated with Olive Oil Use

Cardiovascular Benefits: Increased consumption of olive oil, especially extra-virgin olive oil, is associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and mortality among individuals at high cardiovascular risk1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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