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 .
Effects of n-3 fatty acids on macro- and microvascular function in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
BACKGROUND Recent evidence supports the protective effects of n-3 ( omega-3 ) fatty acids ( n-3 FAs ) , such as eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA ) and docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) , on vascular function . OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of EPA and DHA on postpr and ial vascular function in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus . DESIGN In a double-blind , placebo-controlled , r and omized , crossover manner , 34 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus received daily either 2 g purified EPA/DHA ( termed n-3 FAs ) or olive oil ( placebo ) for 6 wk . At the end of this period , we measured macrovascular ( brachial ultrasound of flow-mediated dilatation ; FMD ) and microvascular [ laser-Doppler measurements of reactive hyperemia ( RH ) of the h and ] function at fasting and 2 , 4 , and 6 h after a high-fat meal ( 600 kcal , 21 g protein , 41 g carbohydrates , 40 g fat ) . RESULTS Fasting vascular function remained unchanged after n-3 FAs and placebo .  Postpr and ial FMD decreased from fasting after placebo , with a maximum decrease ( 38 % ) at 4 h-an effect that was significantly reduced ( P = 0.03 for time x treatment interaction ) by n-3 FA supplementation ( maximum decrease in FMD was at 4 h : 13 % ) . RH remained unchanged after placebo , whereas it improved significantly ( P = 0.04 for time x treatment interaction ) after n-3 FA supplementation ( maximum increase was at 2 h : 27 % ) . CONCLUSIONS In subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus , 6 wk of supplementation with n-3 FAs reduced the postpr and ial decrease in macrovascular function relative to placebo . Moreover , n-3 FA supplementation improved postpr and ial microvascular function . These observations suggest a protective vascular effect of n-3 FAs
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 .