Is Olive Oil raising your Cholesterol?! | New trial makes waves

Summary

A recent study examined the impact of olive oil on cholesterol levels, with 40 participants on plant-based diets, split into high and low olive oil groups. The high oil group consumed four tablespoons daily, while the low oil group had less than one teaspoon. Results varied between a four-week trial period and a subsequent washout week, showing cholesterol levels dropped on both diets but were more pronounced on the low oil diet initially. However, the second period revealed no significant difference. The study raises questions about diet order effects and the need for larger trials to confirm preliminary findings.

Takeaways

• 📊 A recent study examined the impact of olive oil on cholesterol levels, sparking significant social media discussion.
• 🧑‍🔬 The study was a randomized trial with 40 participants divided into two groups: one consuming minimal olive oil and the other consuming a high amount.
• 🥗 Both groups followed a plant-based diet, differing primarily in their olive oil intake.
• 🔄 The trial was a crossover study where participants switched diets after a one-week 'wash out' period.
• 📉 LDL cholesterol decreased on both diets during the first period, with a non-significant trend suggesting a slightly greater reduction on the low-oil diet.
• 🏋️‍♂️ There was no significant difference in exercise levels between the two groups.
• 📈 Total caloric intake was higher on the high-oil diet, with participants consuming approximately 1,700 calories versus 1,300 on the low-oil diet.
• 🤔 The second period of the study showed different results, with LDL cholesterol not significantly decreasing on either diet.
• 🧐 The study authors are planning a larger trial to further investigate the effects observed.
• 🚫 Contrary to some social media interpretations, LDL cholesterol did not increase on any diet during the study periods.
• 🔑 The study raises questions about the potential benefits of low-oil diets on cholesterol levels, but more research is needed for definitive conclusions.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the study mentioned in the transcript?

The main focus of the study was to investigate the effect of olive oil on cholesterol levels, specifically looking at LDL cholesterol.

How many participants were involved in the study, and how were they divided?

There were 40 participants in the study, randomly split into two groups.

What was the difference in olive oil consumption between the two groups?

One group consumed no or as close to no olive oil as possible (less than one teaspoon a day), while the other group consumed a lot of olive oil (four tablespoons a day).

What type of olive oil was used in the study?

The study used extra virgin olive oil, and participants were instructed to have it uncooked.

How long did each phase of the study last?

Each phase of the study lasted for four weeks, with a one-week pause in between where participants could eat whatever they wanted.

What was the total caloric intake reported by the participants on the high oil diet versus the low oil diet?

On the high oil diet, participants reported about 1,700 calories a day, while on the low oil diet, it was about 1,300 calories a day.

What was the primary outcome the study was looking at?

The primary outcome was the effect of the diets on LDL cholesterol levels.

Did the study find a significant difference in LDL cholesterol levels between the high oil and low oil diets?

During the first period, LDL cholesterol came down on both diets, but there was no significant difference between the two diets. During the second period, LDL cholesterol didn't come down significantly on either diet.

What was the role of weight loss in the study's results?

Weight loss could have been a factor, as participants lost more weight on the low oil diet. However, the authors adjusted their results for changes in body weight.

What was the study's conclusion regarding the effect of olive oil on cholesterol levels?

The study concluded that it's too early to make a definitive call on the effect of olive oil on cholesterol levels, given the uncertainties and differences between the first and second periods of the trial.

What other metrics did the study look at besides LDL cholesterol?

The study also looked at apob, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol.

What was the significance of the 'wash out' period in the study?

The 'wash out' period was designed to allow participants to return to their baseline conditions before starting the second phase of the study, to ensure both periods started from a similar state.