Recipe for Heart Health: A Randomized Crossover Trial on Cardiometabolic Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Within a Whole‐Food Plant‐Based Vegan Diet | Journal of the American Heart Association

[ For video discussion on this July 2024 research CLICK HERE ]

Key Findings of the Study
Enhanced Cardiovascular Health Without Oil: Participants who followed an oil-free, whole food, plant-based diet experienced greater improvements in heart health markers compared to those who included EVOO in their diets.


Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels: The oil-free group showed a more significant reduction in LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), which is crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease.


Better Weight Management: Eliminating added oils led to more effective weight loss and maintenance, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.


Improved Blood Pressure Control: Participants avoiding oils had better blood pressure readings, further decreasing their risk of hypertension.


Reduced Inflammation: The absence of added oils correlated with lower levels of systemic inflammation, a key factor in many chronic diseases.


Why This Matters to Us

The findings align perfectly with the PLANTSTRONG philosophy that emphasizes consuming whole, unprocessed plant foods without added oils. While EVOO is often marketed as a healthful choice, this study suggests that even so-called “healthy” oils may not provide the cardiovascular benefits we aim for.

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.124.035034

Leave a Reply