A Spanish study reports that a Mediterranean-style diet enhanced with olive oil improved blood markers linked with bone formation. A Mediterranean-style diet has been recommended for heart health by researchers and physicians for sometime now.
Osteoporosis is seen less often in the Mediterranean region than in the rest of Europe – suggesting a connection between bone health and the area’s standard diet which includes lots of olive oil. One researcher said, “The intake of olive oil has been related to the prevention of osteoporosis in experimental and in vitro models. This is the first randomized study which demonstrates that olive oil preserves bone, at least as inferred by circulating bone markers, in humans.” Monica Bullo, PhD, a co-author of the study warns however that more research is needed to see if actual changes in bone density actually occur – long-term studies are still needed. While it may be premature to rely on olive oil for your bone health, Bess Dawson-Hughes, MD, director of Tufts’ HNRCA Bone Metabolism Laboratory believes the other health benefits of a Mediterranean diet should be reason enough to incorporate it’s beneficial ingredients into your diet……. Tufts Health Letter 11/7/12