New Concerns About Olive Oil | Dr. Neal Barnard | The Exam Room Podcast
1. Optimal Consumption Amount:
Conflicting research: While previous studies have linked olive oil consumption to reduced heart disease risk, recent research suggests that the optimal amount might be lower than previously thought.
Focus on overall diet: The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is often credited for its heart-healthy benefits, not solely olive oil. 1. Mediterranean Diet: 8 Scientific Benefits, According to New Research – Healthline
www.healthline.com
2. Adulteration and Fraud:
Counterfeit olive oil: The high demand for olive oil has led to a surge in counterfeit products. These often contain cheaper oils mixed with olive oil or are labeled incorrectly. 1. The Dark Side of Liquid Gold: The Rise of Fake Olive Oil – Ceres Shop
ceres.shop
2. How to Spot Fake Olive Oil – Brightland
brightland.co
Health risks: Adulterated olive oil may contain harmful contaminants and lack the nutritional benefits of genuine extra virgin olive oil. 1. Extra virgin olive oil: A comprehensive review of efforts to ensure its authenticity, traceability, and safety – PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3. Environmental Concerns:
Intensive cultivation: Some olive oil production practices involve intensive farming methods that can harm the environment. 1. Life Cycle Assessment of Olive Oil Production in Turkey, a Territory with an Intensive Production Project – MDPI
www.mdpi.com
Water scarcity: Olive cultivation can be water-intensive, raising concerns in regions facing water shortages. 1. Olive Trees: Beyond the Climate Crisis – Fundación We Are Water
www.wearewater.org
It’s important to note that these concerns don’t negate the potential health benefits of genuine extra virgin olive oil. However, they highlight the importance of choosing high-quality products and consuming it as part of a balanced diet.