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Jordan News
7 days ago
- Health
- Jordan News
Despite Its Benefits, Too Much Olive Oil May Lead to Weight Gain and Heart Disease - Jordan News
Despite Its Benefits, Too Much Olive Oil May Lead to Weight Gain and Heart Disease Renowned as one of the healthiest oils, olive oil has long been praised for its heart-protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, a new scientific study warns that excessive consumption may carry unexpected health risks, including weight gain and cardiovascular disease. اضافة اعلان The Research Behind the Concern Published in the journal Cell Reports, the study highlights that oleic acid—the primary component of olive oil—can stimulate the growth of fat cells more than other oils such as coconut or soybean oil. What Happens Inside the Body? Researchers found that oleic acid activates a protein called AKT2 and inhibits another called LXR, creating a biochemical environment that encourages fat cell multiplication and fat storage. These changes increase the likelihood of obesity, a major risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Dr. Michael Rudolph, biochemistry professor at the University of Oklahoma and study co-author, explained: 'More fat cells mean more capacity to store fat, which heightens the risk of chronic diseases if not properly managed.' Caution Against Social Media Health Trends While moderate consumption of olive oil remains beneficial, experts caution against blindly following health advice from social media influencers. Nutritionist Michelle Routhenstein shared a case where a patient consumed a full cup of olive oil daily, leading to high cholesterol and stalled weight loss, despite assuming he was eating healthily. Veronika Rouse, another registered dietitian, emphasized the importance of professional guidance, noting: 'Good intentions don't replace science-based nutrition advice.' Bottom Line: Moderation Is Key Olive oil is still a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, which is linked to numerous health benefits. But even natural fats can be harmful when consumed in excess. For optimal health: Stick to 1–2 tablespoons per day. Balance your fat sources with nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish. Consult a nutritionist before making major dietary changes. 💡 Golden Rule: Olive oil is a 'liquid gold' when used wisely—but too much of a good thing can backfire.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The ‘healthy' kitchen staple you use every day ‘that's making you FAT', scientists warn
FROM salad dressings to bread dips and roasted veg, olive oil has long been celebrated as a kitchen staple with powerful health benefits. A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil was hailed as an elixir of youth and health in ancient Greece. 1 And swathes of new research suggest it lives up to the hype, slashing the risk of disease and early death. But scientists now believe oleic acid, a common fat found in olive oil, helps fat cells grow and multiply, potentially driving weight gain faster than other oils. US researchers behind the study urged home cooks to "moderate" their olive oil intake, "especially high-risk individuals." "If someone is at risk for heart disease, high levels of oleic acid may not be a good idea," they wrote. This comes amid growing concern from experts who warn that guzzling too much of the golden liquid may raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. In the new study, published in Cell Reports, scientists fed mice diets enriched with specific fats found in olive oil, coconut oil, lard, peanut oil, milk, and soybeans. They found oleic acid activated a protein called AKT2 while suppressing another, LXR, triggering the formation of new fat cells. "You can think of the fat cells as an army," said study co-author Dr Michael Rudolph, assistant professor of biochemistry and physiology at the University of Oklahoma. "When you give oleic acid, it initially increases the number of 'fat cell soldiers' in the army, which creates a larger capacity to store excess nutrients," he added. "This means that over time, obesity can occur, which can then lead to cardiovascular disease or diabetes if not controlled," he said. GP-approved tips to really lose weight safely - and keep it off The researchers admit most people don't eat olive oil in isolation, they're mixed into salads and burgers. But diets high in oleic acid, especially from ultra-processed foods, could be bad news for the heart. "I think the take-home message is moderation and to consume fats from a variety of different sources," he said. "Relatively balanced levels of oleic acid seem to be beneficial, but higher and prolonged levels may be detrimental. "If someone is at risk for heart disease, high levels of oleic acid may not be a good idea." For years, olive oil has been the go-to fat for dietitians and chefs alike. Just last year another, US study emerged suggesting more than half a tablespoon of olive oil a day can cut Alzheimer's risk by 28 per cent. Meanwhile, an NHS trial found that oleic acid could help treat incurable brain tumours. Celebs also can't get enough of it. Dua Lipa drizzles it on ice cream, and Kourtney Kardashian swears by it as a hair treatment. Top chef Jamie Oliver is known for generously pouring olive oil over his dishes. And biohacker Bryan Johnson drinks spoonfuls of olive oil each morning and sells his own brand as part of a pricey anti-ageing plan. 'Olive oil isn't something to demonise' Despite the new findings, Robert Hobson, nutritionist at Healthspan and author of Unprocess Your Family Life, said olive oil is still the "best" choice for everyday cooking, because of its "health benefits". "It helps lower cholesterol because it increases good cholesterol, but lowers bad cholesterol," he told Sun Health. Cholesterol is a substance found in fats that's needed to build healthy cells, but can increase the risk of heart disease if levels are too high. "You've also got things like pleocanthal, which is that peppery taste in olive oil, and that helps to reduce inflammation as well. " But people should use it "sparingly" because it is a fat, he said. "You only need a teaspoon in a non-stick pan to cook food," he explained. "And I think people do chuck it in very liberally. "While it's good for you, obviously, you can have loads of it, then it's going to encourage weight gain." He added: 'People in the Mediterranean have been using it for hundreds and hundreds of years and we recommend that diet as one of the healthiest diets. "I just think it's not a food that we should be demonising." How to follow the Mediterranean diet The Mediterranean diet is rich in plants - think nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The main fat is olive oil (usually extra virgin), and the diet usually includes moderate intake of fish, poultry, dairy, eggs and alcohol. Other meat, sweets, beer, processed foods and refined grains are kept to a minimum. Features of a Mediterranean lifestyle that may also benefit a person's health include sharing meals with others, consuming red wine and flavouring foods with herbs and spices rather than salt. A typical day following a Mediterranean diet may look like this: BREAKFAST Yoghurt with granola, banana, figs, almonds, sunflower seeds and peanut butter LUNCH Chicken salad with chickpeas, mozzarella, tomato, cucumber, kale, spinach, onion and a slice of wholemeal bread and extra virgin olive oil DINNER Grilled sea bass with brown rice, rocket and a glass of red wine SNACKS Apple and almond butter, hummus and crackers and boiled egg
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Shock study finds olive oil could be making us FAT - experts warn millions should cut back
For years, olive oil has been hailed by doctors for protecting our hearts and keeping us sharp in old age. But scientists now believe oleic acid, a common fat contained in olive oil, helps fat cells grow and multiply, potentially driving weight gain quicker than other oils. Home cooks should therefore 'moderate' their olive oil consumption, 'especially high-risk individuals,' advised US researchers, who carried out the study. 'If someone is at risk for heart disease, high levels of oleic acid may not be a good idea,' they added. It comes as a growing number of experts have urged caution over consuming olive oil in excess over fears it makes consumers more prone to high cholesterol and heart disease. In the fresh study, scientists fed mice a variety of specialised diets enriched in specific individual fatty acids, including those found in olive oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, milk, lard and soybean oil. They found oleic acid specifically, boosted a protein called AKT2 and reduced the activity of another protein called LXR. This led to an uptick in cells that grow and form new fat cells. Writing in the journal Cell Reports, the scientists said: 'Relatively low levels of dietary oleic acid show beneficial effects. 'But higher levels of oleic acid consumption have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and mortality.' Dr Michael Rudolph, an assistant professor of biochemistry and physiology at the University of Oklahoma and study co-author, also said: 'We wanted to know whether simply overeating a diet rich in fat causes obesity, or whether the composition of these fatty acids that make up the oils in the diet is important. 'You can think of the fat cells as an army. 'When you give oleic acid, it initially increases the number of "fat cell soldiers" in the army, which creates a larger capacity to store excess nutrients. 'This means that over time, obesity can occur, which can then lead to cardiovascular disease or diabetes if not controlled.' He added: 'I think the take-home message is moderation and to consume fats from a variety of different sources. 'Relatively balanced levels of oleic acid seem to be beneficial, but higher and prolonged levels may be detrimental.' For years experts have advised that cooking with a splash of olive oil is safe. It is in fact the preferred cooking oil of many professional chefs and dietitians alike. It is a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet, which has become extremely popular in recent years with a wealth of studies touting its benefits for longevity, reducing frailty and warding off cancer. The diet involves largely shunning dairy, red meat and alcohol, while tucking into fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, olive oil, oily fish, nuts, seeds and pulses. Dua Lipa and her fans drizzle it on ice cream. Bodybuilders on Reddit claim to guzzle it to bulk up. Jennifer Lopez credits it for her radiant skin. And Silicon Valley biohacker freak Bryan Johnson, who drinks several tablespoons with breakfast, sells his own brand of olive oil as part of an unproven longevity diet. Influencers also claim the golden liquid has all sorts of benefits like alleviating bloating and constipation, helping your body absorb nutrients better, supporting your hair and skin health, and even treating hangovers. But other experts have previously suggested there may be a link between olive oil and weight gain, as well as an increased risk of heart disease. New York dietitian Michelle Routhenstein had a client who would consume a whole cup of the stuff each day, 'believing it to be exceptionally healthy,' she told MailOnline. 'However, this extreme behavior not only hindered his weight loss efforts but also adversely affected his cholesterol levels, as such high volumes of olive oil can be high in saturated fat, counteracting its purported benefits,' she said. 'Excessive consumption of olive oil without portion control can lead to an imbalance in energy intake, potentially contributing to positive energy balance and subsequent weight gain or difficulty in achieving weight loss goals.' Dietitian Veronica Rouse added: 'It's important to be careful when listening to influencers who may sometimes unintentionally contribute to this overemphasis due to their personal experiences or endorsements, not always backed by an understanding of nutrition science. 'It's crucial to discuss any change in your nutrition plan with your health care team or registered dietitian.'
Economic Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Good oil has its limits too: Why olive oil may be expanding your waistline, one fat cell at a time
Despite its reputation as a heart-healthy superfood, olive oil may have a hidden downside. Scientists found that oleic acid can activate proteins that promote the multiplication of fat cells. While not a call to abandon olive oil entirely, the study urges moderation, especially for those consuming large amounts through processed foods rich in the same fat. A new study reveals that oleic acid — the primary fat in olive oil — can increase fat cell growth, potentially leading to obesity. While olive oil has known health benefits, researchers warn that excessive intake may spur fat storage and related health risks. (Representational image: iStock) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Meet the 'Fat Cell Soldiers' That Olive Oil Might Be Recruiting Olive oil may be slimming in moderation, but too much could expand your waistline. (Representational image: iStock) Don't Ditch Your Olive Oil Bottle Just Yet Also Read: Stanford scientists reveal simple dinner hack to stay slim and it starts with what you eat first Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Olive Oil is Still the Good Guy — Just Not the Only Guy Olive oil has long been hailed as a golden elixir of health, praised by Mediterranean diets and wellness gurus alike. But a new study has stirred the pot — and your salad dressing — by revealing a surprising link between olive oil and weight gain. Published in Cell Reports, the research claims that oleic acid, the dominant monounsaturated fat in olive oil, could actually fuel the growth of fat cells — and potentially, your by Michael Rudolph, assistant professor of biochemistry and physiology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, the study dives into how different types of fats affect the body. And the findings are anything but a controlled study using mice, Rudolph and his team fed diets high in various fats — from coconut oil to soybean oil — to see how they impacted the body. But only one fat stood out: oleic acid. This compound, abundant in olive oil and processed foods, triggered an increase in the body's 'fat cell soldiers,' or precursor fat to Rudolph, oleic acid stimulates a protein called AKT2 while suppressing another called LXR, both of which regulate fat storage. The result? More fat cells ready to store dietary nutrients — and a greater capacity for weight gain. 'If the excess nutrients overtake the number of fat cells, obesity can occur,' Rudolph warned. 'That can then lead to cardiovascular disease or diabetes if not controlled.'Before you throw your olive oil out with the bathwater, there's a crucial caveat. The researchers stress that real-world diets are more complex — no one eats isolated fats in a lab setting. Plus, olive oil still boasts numerous health benefits: it's rich in antioxidants, supports brain function, improves heart health, and has even been linked to reduced cancer and dementia problem isn't olive oil itself — it's the quantity and context in which it's consumed. Diets dominated by ultra-processed foods rich in oleic acid could tilt the balance. 'Moderation is key,' Rudolph said. 'Relatively balanced levels of oleic acid seem to be beneficial, but higher and prolonged levels may be detrimental.'In a world obsessed with 'superfoods,' this study is a wake-up call that even healthy ingredients have their limits. Olive oil remains a nutritional powerhouse — but when consumed in excess or combined with unhealthy food habits, it might be helping your fat cells multiply behind the yes — drizzle that olive oil over your salad. Just don't drown in it.
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Business Standard
11-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
SARS-CoV-2 protein triggers immune attack on healthy cells, shows study
A new study published in peer-reviewed scientific journal Cell Reports has uncovered an unexpected way in which the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, might harm healthy tissues. Researchers found that the virus can indirectly trigger immune attacks on cells it never actually infects. Scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that the virus's nucleocapsid protein (NP) — usually known for packaging viral RNA inside infected cells — can transfer to neighbouring uninfected epithelial cells and stick to their surfaces. Once on these healthy cells, the NP protein is mistakenly recognised by the immune system. 'This process activates the classical complement pathway, leading to inflammation and cellular damage that might contribute to severe Covid-19 outcomes and complications such as long Covid,' the study explains. Viral protein marks healthy cells for attack The immune system, seeing the NP protein on these healthy cells, mistakenly treats them as infected. Anti-NP antibodies label these cells for destruction, setting off a harmful chain reaction. This immune attack, researchers believe, may worsen disease severity and contribute to long-lasting symptoms seen in some Covid-19 patients. 'This research uncovers a surprising way in which the SARS-CoV-2 virus can misdirect the immune system, causing the attack of healthy cells, simply because they have been marked by a viral protein,' the authors wrote. Lab findings confirm the mechanism The team used lab-grown cells, advanced imaging techniques, and samples from Covid-19 patients to understand how the NP protein attaches to healthy cells. They found that NP binds to heparan sulfate proteoglycans — a sugar-like molecule found on many cell surfaces. As a result, clusters of NP proteins form on these cells, prompting the immune system to attack them using antibodies. This mistakenly triggers the complement pathway, harming both infected and healthy cells. The researchers also found that the commonly used blood thinner enoxaparin can block NP from binding to healthy cells. As a heparin analog, enoxaparin competes for the same binding sites. In laboratory tests using both cell cultures and samples from patients, enoxaparin prevented NP from attaching to cells and helped stop the immune system from attacking them.
