These results provide evidence that olive oil might exert beneficial effects on endothelial function as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial function , thus representing a key ingredient contributing to the cardiovascular-protective effects of a Mediterranean diet .
The aim of the present systematic review was to synthesize data from r and omized controlled trials investigating the effects of olive oil on markers of inflammation or endothelial function .
Low-dose docosahexaenoic acid lowers diastolic blood pressure in middle-aged men and women.
The intake of ( n-3 ) long-chain PUFA is associated with a decreased risk of fatal myocardial infa rct ion . Whether this effect is attributable to the effects of docosahexaenoic acid [ 22:6(n-3 ) ( DHA ) ] on vascular function , particularly at intakes < 1 g/d , is unknown . We report a r and omized , double-blind , crossover , placebo controlled trial of 0.7 g DHA/d as a purified algal derived triacylglycerol ( 1.5 g/d ) vs. placebo ( 1.5 g olive oil/d ) on vascular function and biochemical indices of endothelial dysfunction in 38 healthy men and women , aged 40 - 65 y. Each treatment phase lasted 3 mo , separated by a 4 mo washout period . Supplementation increased the proportion of DHA in erythrocytes lipids by 58 % , compared with placebo .  Arterial compliance and endothelium independent and dependent responses , plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein , soluble thrombomodulin , E-selectin , von Willebr and factor antigen , and urinary microalbumin and isoprostane excretion were unaffected by treatment . Diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3.3 mm Hg ( 95 % CI -6.1 to -0.6 ; P = 0.01 ) . Heart rate tended to be 2.1 beats/min lower after DHA treatment than after the placebo period ( P = 0.15 ) . The results indicate that a moderate increase in the daily intake of DHA to approximately 0.7 g DHA lowers diastolic BP but does not influence indices of endothelial function or arterial stiffness in the short term
These results provide evidence that olive oil might exert beneficial effects on endothelial function as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial function , thus representing a key ingredient contributing to the cardiovascular-protective effects of a Mediterranean diet .
The aim of the present systematic review was to synthesize data from r and omized controlled trials investigating the effects of olive oil on markers of inflammation or endothelial function .