Excess consumption of this 'healthy fat' may contribute to weight gain, research suggests
In a recent study published in Reports, the main fatty component in olive oil, oleic acid, was found to potentially promote the growth of new fat cells when tested in high doses and in lab conditions using mice[1]. However, it is important to note that this research did not involve the consumption of olive oil in typical diets.
The study involved feeding a variety of high-fat diets to mice, including coconut oil, peanut oil, milk, lard, soybean oil, and found that high levels of oleic acid changed the activity of two proteins - AKT2 and LXR - which in turn resulted in the faster growth of precursor cells, which form new fat cells[2].
While this finding might seem concerning, it's crucial to understand that the study used pure oleic acid in high doses, not olive oil consumed in regular diets[1]. In fact, multiple robust human studies show that higher olive oil intake is consistently associated with less weight gain or even weight loss over time, improved body composition, and lower body mass index (BMI)[2][3].
Dr Michael Rudolph, assistant professor of biochemistry and physiology at the University of Oklahoma, explains that oleic acid initially increases the number of 'fat cell soldiers' in the body, creating a larger capacity to store excess dietary nutrients[2]. However, it's essential to remember that this research was conducted on mice, and its findings may not directly translate to the effect of oleic acid on humans.
Rudolph advises moderation in consuming olive oil and suggests consuming fats from a variety of sources[2]. This advice aligns with the concept of a potential food pyramid that could significantly improve diets.
Oleic acid is a type of monounsaturated fat, sometimes called omega-9. A major source of oleic acid is olive oil, but it is also found in other oils such as rapeseed (canola) oil and sunflower oil, as well as foods such as nuts, meats, cheese, eggs, and avocado[4].
Previous research often links oleic acid, particularly via olive oil, with various health benefits, including longevity, healthy aging, lower levels of inflammation, and lower risk of obesity and heart disease[4]. Therefore, current scientific evidence does not support the claim that high levels of oleic acid in olive oil contribute to greater weight gain compared to other fat sources. On the contrary, olive oil consumption tends to be associated with weight control rather than weight gain in real-life dietary contexts[1][2][3].
In conclusion, while the new study on oleic acid and fat cell growth is interesting, it's essential to approach it with caution and maintain a balanced perspective. Olive oil, as part of a balanced diet, remains a valuable source of healthy fats and should not be avoided due to this single study's findings.
References:
[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-84753-5 [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793456/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5934096/ [4] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oleic-acid#section1
Research in Reports revealed that high doses of pure oleic acid, the main fatty component in olive oil, might promote the growth of new fat cells in lab conditions using mice. However, it's important to understand this study did not involve the consumption of olive oil in regular diets.
Inversely, multiple human studies show higher olive oil intake is associated with weight loss over time, improved body composition, and lower body mass index (BMI).
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat, found not only in olive oil but also in rapeseed (canola) oil, sunflower oil, nuts, meats, cheese, eggs, and avocado.
Besides weight management, previous research often links oleic acid, particularly via olive oil, with various health benefits such as longevity, healthy aging, lower levels of inflammation, and lower risk of obesity and heart disease.
Moderation is advisable in consuming olive oil, according to Dr. Michael Rudolph, and a balanced diet that includes fats from various sources could significantly improve our overall health and wellness, including in the areas of fitness-and-exercise and nutrition.
