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 .
CLA Does Not Impair Endothelial Function and Decreases Body Weight as Compared with Safflower Oil in Overweight and Obese Male Subjects
Objective : Conjugated linoleic acid ( CLA ) showed a wide range of beneficial biological effects with relevance for cardiovascular health in animal models and humans . Most human studies used olive oil as a reference . This study assessed the effect of CLA as compared with safflower oil on endothelial function and markers of cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese men .  Heated safflower oil and olive oil were given for additional descriptive control . Methods : Eighty-five overweight men ( aged 45–68 years , body mass index 25–35 kg/m2 ) were r and omized to receive 4.5 g/d of the CLA isomeric mixture , safflower oil , heated safflower oil , or olive oil in a 4-week double-blind study .  Endothelial function was assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry ( PAT ) index determination in the fasting and postpr and ial state ( i.e. , 4 hours after consumption of a fat- and sucrose-rich meal ) . Results : CLA as compared with safflower oil consumption did not impair fasting or postpr and ial PAT index but decreased body weight .  CLA as compared with safflower oil did not change total , low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) , or high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol ; triglycerides ; insulin sensitivity indices ; C-reactive protein ; soluble adhesion molecules ; oxidized LDL ; lipoprotein a ( Lp[a ] ) ; paraoxonase ; or platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase ( PAF-AH ) activity , but significantly reduced arylesterase activity and increased concentrations of the F2-isoprostane 8-iso-prostagl and in F (PGF)2α . Conclusion : CLA did not impair endothelial function . Other parameters associated with metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress were not changed or were slightly improved . Results suggest that CLA does not increase cardiovascular risk . Increased F2-isoprostane concentrations in this context may not indicate increased oxidative stress
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 .