{"id":6087,"date":"2019-11-20T07:20:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T07:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention\/"},"modified":"2026-08-06T06:39:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T06:39:42","slug":"olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extra virgin olive oil is a true \u201cnectar,\u201d a delight for the palate that, even with just a few drops, is able to enhance every recipe, but that is not all; it is indeed a true panacea for our body, so much so that it is considered <strong>the best among the fats that can be used for seasoning<\/strong>.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Indice<\/div>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #343e3d;color:#343e3d\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #343e3d;color:#343e3d\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention\/#What_are_the_correlations_between_the_consumption_of_EVO_oil_and_cardiovascular_prevention\" >What are the correlations between the consumption of EVO oil and cardiovascular prevention?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention\/#Olive_Oil_and_Hypertension\" >Olive Oil and Hypertension<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention\/#Olive_Oil_and_Thrombotic_Risk\" >Olive Oil and Thrombotic Risk<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention\/#Olive_Oil_and_Dyslipidemia\" >Olive Oil and Dyslipidemia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention\/#Olive_Oil_and_Atherosclerosis\" >Olive Oil and Atherosclerosis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/olive-oil-and-cardiovascular-prevention\/#Olive_Oil_and_Coronary_Artery_Disease\" >Olive Oil and Coronary Artery Disease<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the main benefits recognized for extra virgin olive oil is, without a doubt, its protective role for the cardiovascular system, thanks to the countless compounds that constitute it. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some studies state that extra virgin olive oil, thanks to its <strong>high content of phenolic compounds and monounsaturated fatty acids<\/strong>, offers valid protection against cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other potential advantages deriving from the consumption of extra virgin olive oil as a seasoning concern the prevention of various types of cancer, including colon and breast cancer, as well as other diseases affecting the gastrointestinal system and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer&#8217;s disease. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, seasoning foods with raw olive oil can represent a valid remedy for combating constipation, thanks to its laxative potential.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_correlations_between_the_consumption_of_EVO_oil_and_cardiovascular_prevention\"><\/span>What are the correlations between the consumption of EVO oil and cardiovascular prevention?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is now unanimously accepted that the consumption of high quantities of saturated fatty acids of animal origin is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk, linked above all to a higher concentration of cholesterol, especially the LDL fraction (the so-called bad cholesterol), in the blood, with a consequent increase in the predisposition to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The habitual consumption of extra virgin olive oil, to the detriment of animal fats and also other vegetable oils, improves cardiovascular well-being from various points of view; let&#8217;s see what they are. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prevention and use of olive oil for:<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hypertension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thrombotic Risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dyslipidemia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Atherosclerosis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coronary Artery Disease<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Olive_Oil_and_Hypertension\"><\/span>Olive Oil and Hypertension<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High blood pressure, known as arterial hypertension, is a disorder that affects numerous people in Italy and worldwide. <strong>It is fundamental to maintain blood pressure values within certain ranges<\/strong> (&lt;140 mmHg for systolic or maximum pressure and &lt;90 mmHg for diastolic or minimum pressure), because, if neglected, arterial hypertension can turn into a major cardiovascular risk factor.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Very often, arterial hypertension is asymptomatic or presents with very subtle symptoms; therefore, close monitoring of subjects at risk is necessary. Who are the people most exposed to the <strong>risk of developing hypertension<\/strong>? Overweight men and women, over the age of 65, who follow a diet rich in salt and who do little physical exercise, are primarily the subjects who must periodically check their blood pressure levels. Experts suggest that people over 40 should measure their blood pressure at least once a year, or more often in the case of factors that can favor hypertension.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to avoid smoking and consuming alcohol, to exercise regularly, to lose excess weight, and not to subject one&#8217;s body to excessive levels of stress.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also important recommendations regarding nutrition: first of all, it is recommended to follow the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, <strong>low-fat proteins<\/strong> (legumes, oily fish, white meat, and low-fat dairy products) and which uses extra virgin olive oil as the only seasoning, along with spices and aromatic herbs to reduce salt intake. Reducing salt intake can reduce fluid retention, improve the elasticity of the arteries, and help bring blood pressure down. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mediterranean diet also favors the intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium (which has a vasodilating effect and therefore contributes to lowering blood pressure values), vitamins, antioxidants, and fibers, which help decrease blood pressure that is too high.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research involving over half a million people has reportedly shown that people with the highest daily intakes of magnesium are 33 percent less likely to have a heart attack or a stroke compared to people with lower intakes. Food sources include nuts, seeds, dark green leaves, beans, fish, whole grains, and dark chocolate. <br\/><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">Do you want to know more about the role of EVO oil in the Mediterranean diet? Read also: <a href=\"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/olive-oil-the-cornerstone-ingredient-of-the-mediterranean-diet\/\"><strong>Olive oil: the key ingredient of the Mediterranean diet<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Olive_Oil_and_Thrombotic_Risk\"><\/span>Olive Oil and Thrombotic Risk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To obtain antithrombotic effects, numerous studies suggest that a diet low in fat or based on vegetable fats (first and foremost extra virgin olive oil) is preferable to a diet high in fat, particularly if it is of the saturated type. In this case too, following the Mediterranean diet as the sole nutritional regimen is extremely useful for reducing thrombotic risk. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Olive oil contains a protein that is able to protect us from cardiovascular diseases<\/strong> because it inhibits the formation of platelet aggregations that can lead to thrombosis which, in the brain or heart, cause strokes, death, or heart attacks.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extra virgin olive oil is therefore a true elixir of health thanks to the high quantity of phenols, antioxidants, and regulators of thrombotic agents. Furthermore, post-prandial oxidative stress for our body increases with saturated fats but decreases with monounsaturated ones, such as oleic acid. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what is meant by thrombotic risk and why is it important to reduce it? Thrombosis consists of the formation of thrombi within the blood vessels, causing their occlusion and thus hindering normal blood circulation. There are two types, arterial or venous. The latter are more frequent and mainly affect the lower limbs. In Italy, thrombosis is in third place for incidence among cardiovascular diseases. Without a doubt, a correct diet, low in saturated fats of animal origin, constitutes a valid aid for keeping thrombotic risk under control.     <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Olive_Oil_and_Dyslipidemia\"><\/span>Olive Oil and Dyslipidemia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The generic term <em>dyslipidemia<\/em> indicates <strong>alterations in the quantity of lipids circulating in the blood<\/strong>, in particular cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids, much more frequently increasing (hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperphospholipidemia), and more rarely decreasing.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dyslipidemia is any clinical condition in which high concentrations of lipids are present in the blood. <strong>Dyslipidemias are one of the main cardiovascular risk factors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extra virgin olive oil, consumed raw to preserve all its nutritional qualities, has protective effects against dyslipidemias (it is indeed able to reduce bad cholesterol, LDL, in favor of good cholesterol, HDL) and consequently against atherosclerosis, reducing, among other things, the risk of heart attack and hypertension. Furthermore, thanks to its high content of antioxidant substances and vitamins (in particular E, A, D, and K), EVO oil is able to slow down aging. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are no symptoms linked to excess cholesterol per se. Dyslipidemias are a silent phenomenon until they cause pathologies at the level of the target organs: cerebral circulation, retinal vessels, coronary arteries, renal vessels, and peripheral arteries. In essence, it can be said that the symptoms of dyslipidemia are those of its cardiovascular complications.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most often, it is after years of evolution of an unrecognized dyslipidemia or one not subjected to adequate preventive measures (or appropriate treatments if already known) that some symptoms appear or, much more often, the onset is already with a complication such as: angina pectoris, heart attack, cerebral ischemia, atherosclerotic retinopathy, intermittent claudication due to peripheral artery disease of the lower limbs, etc.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dyslipidemias can be congenital or acquired. In the first case, these are hereditary diseases due to alterations in the genes that regulate lipoprotein metabolism. There are different types and they are quite frequent. It is estimated that in the general population, about one person in 10 suffers from them. Acquired dyslipidemias, on the other hand, can be the consequence of other pathologies (for example, diabetes and obesity), but, more often, they are the result of an incorrect diet (too rich in fats and\/or hypercaloric). Whatever the cause, altered values of cholesterol and\/or triglycerides in the blood are fully among the most important cardiovascular risk factors, especially if other predisposing factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking coexist.     <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some non-pharmacological measures can be adopted: a diet low in fats of animal origin (red meat, cheese, eggs); preferential use of vegetable oils (extra virgin olive oil first and foremost) with a ratio of monounsaturated-polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids in favor of the former; a low-calorie diet if overweight-obesity is present; fish (especially oily fish); reduced use of simple sugars; adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables; moderate consumption of wine; reduction of salt and pre-packaged foods that are rich in it (cured meats, cold cuts, pickles, canned goods, fermented and\/or aged cheeses); moderate and continuous aerobic physical activity; abolition of cigarette smoking; reduction of stress.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Olive_Oil_and_Atherosclerosis\"><\/span>Olive Oil and Atherosclerosis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extra virgin olive oil is not only a precious seasoning but also an indispensable food for our health because it helps prevent atherosclerosis and contributes to the well-being of the heart and arteries in a healthy and natural way. Let&#8217;s discover together the main causes of this pathology and why extra virgin oil is so precious in its prevention. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Atherosclerosis is one of the most widespread diseases in industrialized countries<\/strong>, where it represents the main cause of death. The risk of falling ill is more or less the same for American and Finnish men, while it is much lower for Mediterranean men who, among the fats consumed, include a high percentage of olive oil. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extra virgin olive oil and atherosclerosis are therefore closely linked. Its use, as a replacement for animal fats, significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in our blood vessels and replaces it with HDL cholesterol (the so-called \u201cgood\u201d cholesterol). Thanks to their properties, the best extra virgin oils also manage to provide our body with an adequate amount of fats, which are fundamental for our physical well-being.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Olive_Oil_and_Coronary_Artery_Disease\"><\/span>Olive Oil and Coronary Artery Disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coronary artery disease (also known as ischemic heart disease) results from the accumulation of plaques in the coronary arteries. These arteries carry oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plaques narrow the coronary arteries and reduce the flow of blood to the heart. This accumulation also increases the likelihood that clots (thrombi) will form in the arteries. Thrombi can block blood flow completely or partially.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, angina crises (chest pain or discomfort) or a heart attack can occur.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plaques can also form in the smaller arteries of the heart. In this case, we speak of coronary microvascular disease. In microvascular disease, the plaques do not completely obstruct the arteries as in the previous case.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To prevent coronary artery disease, it is therefore fundamental to choose a healthy lifestyle: do not smoke, do not gain weight, eat healthily and try to avoid stress, control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. All this means eliminating \u201cmodifiable risk factors,\u201d that is, situations that can damage the coronary arteries and about which we can do something. Because unfortunately, there are hereditary, familial factors on which it is not possible to intervene.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we have already said for other cardiovascular pathologies, at the basis of the prevention of coronary artery disease there are also a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, above all low in animal fats and rich instead in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. It is truly appropriate to say it: extra virgin olive oil is a precious ally for the heart and arteries, so let&#8217;s never forget to use it daily to enhance our recipes. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/shop\/\" style=\"background-color:#fbbd48\"><strong>Take me to the Olive Oil selection<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Extra virgin olive oil is a true \u201cnectar,\u201d a delight for the palate that, even with just a few drops, is able to enhance every recipe, but that is not all; it is indeed a true panacea for our body, so much so that it is considered the best among the fats that can be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6088,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_angie_page":false,"page_builder":"","_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6087","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-senza-categoria"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6087"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6087\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7295,"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6087\/revisions\/7295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/contedoro.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}