Hydroxytyrosol (HT)—a powerful polyphenol found in olives—is emerging as a key nutrient for heart health and antioxidant protection. Backed by clinical research, HT helps defend against cardiovascular disease (CVD) by protecting the endothelium—the delicate lining of blood vessels- from the oxidative stress that drives atherosclerosis. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, healthy volunteers who took hydroxytyrosol demonstrated stronger antioxidant defenses, lower oxidative stress markers, and improved body composition, including reduced body fat percentage and overall weight.
The Mediterranean diet, particularly when enriched with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has been clinically shown to reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events in Mediterranean populations. This protective effect is linked to the modulation of key cardiometabolic pathways, including enhanced resistance to oxidative stress. Inflammation is a central factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Another study highlights olive extracts as safe, natural, and effective ingredients for supporting skin health, offering robust protection from UV-induced aging and damage.
References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5569630/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6571782/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38732018/
- https://doi.org/10.23736/S0392-0488.17.05726-1
