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Bad Effects of Olive Oils

Medicine Net writes about a statement made by Robert Vogel, MD, in regards to the bad effects of olive oil. A heart specialist at the University of Maryland, Robert Vogel, MD, stated that olive oil is just as dangerous as a big slice of cheesecake or a Big Mac, having the same negative effect on your arteries and heart.

  1. Blood Vessel Constriction

    • Vogel's small study showed that after people ate bread and olive oil together, their blood flow dropped by 34 percent. This was the same percentage drop that participants experienced when eating fries with a Big Mac. As part of the study, Vogel also tested the effect of canola oil as a comparison. Canola oil only reduced the flow of blood through the vessel by 11 percent. Too much constriction of blood vessels causes damage to the lining of the vessels.

    Omega-9 Fatty Acids

    • Medicine Net states that the omega-9 fatty acids in olive oil are what Vogel claims to be the culprit. Omega-3 fatty acids do not cause the same amount of blood vessel constriction as the omega-9. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the canola oil. Olive oil is mostly made of omega-9 fatty acids.

    Prevention

    • Medicine Net states that part of Vogel's research on olive oil showed that foods high in anti-oxidants effectively counter its negative effect. Vegetables are high in anti-oxidants and when combined with olive oil, prevent it from constricting the blood vessels. The same goes for red wine as it too has the necessary anti-oxidants necessary to block the bad effects of olive oil presented in Vogel's small study.

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