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The olive as a laboratory: a new analytical approach predicts the quality of olive oil before it is extracted

A new analytical approach developed by researchers at the University of Córdoba can predict the fatty acid, phenol, and volatile compound profile of extra virgin olive oil quickly and accurately using only olives. The method allows for optimal harvest times to be determined based on chemical profiles, enhancing product value.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

Mediterranean diet may boost mitochondrial signals linked to heart and brain health

Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

The possible applications of olive pomace: a study reveals the most sustainable option

A study by the University of Córdoba reveals that olive pomace oil extraction is the most sustainable alternative for managing olive oil industry byproducts. The methodology considers economic, environmental, and social indicators, concluding that this option is economically attractive while also offering significant environmental bene...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 3, 2026

Palm oil isn’t necessarily less sustainable than other oils, say conservationists

Researchers call for greater transparency and regulation in the vegetable oil industry to enable consumers to make informed decisions about their oil choices. The authors emphasize that almost all oils are associated with biodiversity and human rights issues in some contexts, depending on crop management and supply chains.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 16, 2025

Physical and chemical properties of boiled oil: A traditional method of extracting oil from boiled olive fruits

Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Agriculture Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Anarcheological first: A poem by Virgil appears on the remnants of a Roman oil amphora

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the form of an oil amphora from the Roman region of Betica, featuring written text on its underside. The fragment, which corresponds to the seventh and eighth verses of Virgil's poem 'The Georgics', reveals insights into the poet's life and knowledge of the fertile Guadalquivir plain.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Roman Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

Cells refine palm fat into olive oil

Scientists have found that cells break down and reassemble fatty acids to create more beneficial variants, such as oleic acid. This process, called triglyceride cycling, refines poorly usable fatty acids into higher-quality forms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2023

The benefits of olive oil for health and wellbeing

Research suggests that oleic acid in olive oil has antioxidant properties, inhibiting the expression of proteins associated with cholesterol transport, and reducing atherosclerosis. Additionally, oleic acid is recognized as an anti-cancer molecule, which also displays hypocholesterolaemic effects and may influence epigenetic mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 23, 2023

Higher olive oil intake associated with lower risk of CVD mortality

A study found that consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil per day is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative, and respiratory disease mortality. Replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil was also linked to improved health outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Healthy oil from wild olives

Researchers analyzed wild olive oil from the Medes islands and found it has excellent sensorial and physicochemical properties, similar to commercial varieties. The study also promotes local cultivation and conservation of wild olive trees.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAntioxidants·DateNov 3, 2020

Orujo olive oil reduces obesity

Researchers found that Orujo Olive Oil significantly reduced obesity in mice by 30%, while also decreasing body fat, hepatic inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. The study highlights the biological value of orujo oil as a functional food with great therapeutic potential against metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNutrients·DateApr 22, 2020

Researchers study effect of Mediterranean diet on pregnancy outcomes

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy may reduce weight gain and the risk of gestational diabetes, but has no overall impact on adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. The diet's high intake of nuts, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables was associated with these benefits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 23, 2019

Temple study: Extra-virgin olive oil preserves memory & protects brain against Alzheimer's

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that extra-virgin olive oil reduces brain inflammation and activates autophagy, preserving synaptic integrity and reducing amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This may provide a potential prevention or treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJun 21, 2017

Virgin olive oil and hypertension

Epidemiological studies support the consumption of virgin olive oil as an effective antihypertensive agent. The unique bioactive properties of oleic acid and minor constituents in virgin olive oil protect against hypertension by influencing vascular contractibility and heart/kidney cellular loss, leading to reduced blood pressure.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Vascular Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Mediterranean diet high in healthy fat does not lead to weight gain, according to randomized trial

Eating a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetable fats like olive oil and nuts has been shown to have little effect on bodyweight or waist circumference compared to a low-fat diet. The study suggests that current health guidelines recommending low-fat diets may be creating unnecessary fear of healthy fats.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJun 6, 2016

Why you need olive oil on your salad

A study by King's College London found that combining unsaturated fats with vegetables rich in nitrites and nitrates can protect against hypertension. The Mediterranean diet, which includes olive oil and nuts, was shown to inhibit the enzyme responsible for blood pressure regulation.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2014