posted by PHILEOS EVOO on March 3, 2025
Taking oleic acid in various forms, dosages and durations can affect body composition
A recent study undertaken by the Food Chemistry and Biochemistry Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece once again confirms the substantial benefits of consuming Exta Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) for the human body.
It is known that the composition of the diet has a great effect on the composition of the body. In addition to the known beneficial effects of virgin olive oil on the health of the body, there are also studies that suggest that (on a calorie-restricted diet) it also has a beneficial effect as a weight loss strategy. Specifically, the lean mass becomes smaller the higher the dose of oleic acid and the time of its intake.
Edible virgin olive oil (EVO) is a fatty substance composed of monounsaturated (73%), saturated (14%) and polyunsaturated (11%) fatty acids. A tablespoon is about 15 mL and gives the body about 120 calories. This logically creates the thought that it adds weight. However, the experimental results of studies show that it helps to reduce body fat, at least in overweight people.
Specifically, studies have shown that overweight women who supplemented their breakfast with 25 mL (about 1.7 tablespoons) of EVOO lost significantly more weight (80%) than women who consumed an equal amount of soybean oil. They also showed a reduction in blood pressure. Eating higher amounts of EVOO (following a classic Mediterranean diet) has been shown not to lead to weight gain. Moderately obese subjects, after two years of following a Mediterranean diet high in EVOO, lost nearly twice as much weight as those following a low-fat diet. Food supplements with EVOO for two months resulted in reduced body weight and reduced waist circumference. Finally, subjects over two years found that dietary supplementation with EVOO led to increased gray adipose tissue activity in lean but not overweight/obese subjects.
These results are caused by many factors, such as the effect of oleic acid on the metabolism of body fat and the beneficial effect (through the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation) of the EVO micro-components on the metabolic syndrome that also leads to obesity. Not only does oleic acid show beneficial effects in clinical studies in obese individuals, but it appears to have beneficial effects in lean individuals as well. This is because oleic acid activates gray adipose tissue. Gray adipose tissue is a type of fat in which fat cells are not just energy stores but metabolize fats and generate heat. It is actually a way to regulate body temperature.
In conclusion, taking 3 tablespoons per day of a high quality EVOO such as Phileos of Sparta is an amount that has been proven to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular and other diseases, as well as regulating body weight. Phileos EVOO is super rich in oleic acid which is an omega-9 fatty acid, packed with polyphenols and has low acidity at 0.2%.