Polyphenols Lower Insulin Resistance
A forthcoming study set to be published in 2024 by principal researcher, Enzo Nisoli, obesity researcher at University of Milan, has delved into how polyphenols present in extra virgin olive oil influence the molecular and cellular mechanisms linked to cardiometabolic disease and obesity. While past research demonstrated polyphenols’ ability to mitigate health issues related to chronic inflammatory diseases, the specific biological mechanism behind these results remained unidentified. The study aimed to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the positive effects of olive oil. 

The research involved a diet study with mice, examining the impacts of different components of olive oil. The results indicated that polyphenols, especially in extra virgin olive oil, play a significant role in reducing glycemia, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The study emphasizes the potential health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, particularly through the consumption of extra virgin olive oil. However, researchers acknowledge the need for further investigation into the impact of olive oil and polyphenols on gut microbiota and other molecular mechanisms in humans.