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2009/8/3

A diet rich in virgin olive oil reduces body weight, according to research by the University of Navarra

A nutrigenetic study by biologist Cristina Razquin, researcher at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Navarra, has confirmed that a diet rich in virgin olive oil reduces body weight.

This analysis is part of her PhD thesis, the aim of which was to measure the influence of a Mediterranean diet on the adipose tissue of the body, amongst a population with a high-risk of cardiovascular problems.

To this end, the study was based on a sample of 1,055 individuals from Navarre, whose eating patterns were changed to a Mediterranean diet. This consisted of a high intake of fruit and vegetables and of non-refined cereals and fish, and the use of virgin olive oil as the main source of fatty food. Moreover, a high intake of legumes and nuts is recommended.

The monitoring of this Mediterranean diet over three years led to a greater antioxidant capacity of the organism, associated with less body weight. The nutrigenetic study also revealed that the protector effect of the Mediterranean diet against weight increase is greater amongst individuals genetically prone to greater weight gain.

According to the PhD, the fact that a Mediterranean diet especially rich in virgin olive oil provides greater antioxidant capacity compared to a low-fat diet gives more credence to the hypothesis that, unlike what has been generally accepted, a diet high in mono and polyunsaturated fats is highly beneficial for the organism.