Sunflower Oil Enriched With Biophenol From Olive Oil May Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

Researchers in Spain have determined that sunflower oil enriched with a biophenol found naturally in olive oil may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies in animals and humans have shown that hydroxytyrosol acts as a potent antioxidant. Twenty-two healthy volunteers participated in the cross-over study involving two 3-week periods, separated by a 2-week washout period, in which volunteers consumed 10–15 g/d of either hydroxytyrosol-enriched sunflower oil (HSO) or non-enriched (control) sunflower oil. Researchers found that HSO acted as a functional food by increasing arylesterase activity and reducing oxidized LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) levels. It did not reduce LDL or increase HDL levels, however. Nevertheless, the findings suggest the possibility that ”HSO may help prevent cardiovascular disease.”