Virgin Olive Oil and Health: Summary of the 2018 JAEN Consensus Report

The scientific paper Virgin Olive Oil and Health: Summary of the III International Conference on Virgin Olive Oil and Health Consensus Report, JAEN (Spain) 2018 by Gaforio et al. provides a comprehensive review of the health benefits linked to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Published in Nutrients in 2019, the study summarizes discussions from a major international conference where experts analyzed the latest evidence on how EVOO influences cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, weight management, and metabolic disorders. The authors also explore the molecular mechanisms behind these effects and highlight the importance of sustainable olive oil production for global health and agriculture.

The scientific paper we are summarizing shares highlights from the III International Conference on Virgin Olive Oil and Health, held in Jaén, Spain, in 2018. Researchers and health experts gathered to review the latest studies on how virgin olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), benefits human health.

Virgin olive oil is a major part of the Mediterranean diet, which has long been linked to longer life and a lower risk of disease. What makes the Mediterranean diet special is the daily use of olive oil as the main fat source. According to the paper, “the consumption of olive oil stands out as the most peculiar feature” of this healthy way of eating.

As chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are on the rise worldwide, this meeting helped to organize the growing scientific evidence showing that EVOO might protect against many of these conditions.

This study is a thorough review of many types of research. It brings together findings from epidemiological studies (studies looking at large groups of people), clinical trials like PREDIMED, laboratory experiments, and animal studies. Experts discussed this evidence during the conference and put together a summary that covers the effects of virgin olive oil on various health conditions and the role of olive oil in sustainable agriculture.

One of the strongest findings from the conference was the clear link between EVOO and heart health. Studies like the PREDIMED trial showed that people who followed a Mediterranean diet rich in EVOO had lower blood pressure and better cholesterol profiles. As the paper explains, "a Mediterranean diet, supplemented with virgin olive oil or nuts, reduced blood pressure and the risk of hypertension in high cardiovascular risk subjects".

EVOO also helps by:

• Reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol oxidation
• Improving HDL ("good") cholesterol function
• Lowering overall risk for strokes and heart attacks

These effects are partly thanks to powerful plant compounds in EVOO, such as polyphenols, which fight inflammation and oxidative stress inside the body.

The researchers also reviewed strong evidence that a diet rich in EVOO may help lower cancer risk, especially for breast and colorectal cancer. They noted that "women allocated to the MedDiet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil group exhibited a 68% relatively lower risk of incident breast cancer" compared to those on a low-fat diet.

This protection might come from EVOO’s polyphenols, which can slow down cancer cell growth, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural defenses.

The paper highlights that olive oil does not cause weight gain , even though it’s a fat. Instead, it helps people maintain a healthy weight over time. A systematic review mentioned in the paper found that diets including olive oil “reduced weight more than control diets.”

In the extensive PREDIMED study, people eating a Mediterranean diet with EVOO actually gained less weight than those following a low-fat diet.

Another exciting finding is how EVOO can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes . Several studies showed that people who consume more olive oil have lower blood sugar levels and better insulin sensitivity. According to the scientific paper, "adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of future diabetes by 19–23%".

EVOO appears to improve the way the body processes sugars and reduces the need for diabetes medications over time.

The paper explains that the health benefits of EVOO come from more than just its healthy fats. The polyphenols in EVOO influence many processes in the body. They reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage, and improve the function of blood vessels.

One section states that EVOO “improved endothelial function compared to the same low-fat diet” in patients with prediabetes. Endothelial function refers to how well the inner lining of blood vessels works, which is key to preventing heart disease.

The paper also highlights how EVOO can protect the brain, support the immune system, and even help fight autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Beyond health, the study also touched on how olive oil production can support a sustainable future. Olive farming in Europe covers millions of hectares and plays a vital role in local economies. However, the use of pesticides in olive groves is a concern. The researchers stress that regulations must ensure minimal pesticide use to keep both the environment and consumers safe.

They add, “new approaches are being considered for a sustainable agriculture to meet the growing global food demand while preserving human and environmental health”.

This scientific paper clearly shows that extra virgin olive oil is not just a tasty addition to meals — it’s a smart health choice supported by strong scientific evidence. Regular use of EVOO can lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes and help maintain a healthy weight. Its rich content of natural polyphenols plays a big role in protecting the body at the cellular level.

Choosing virgin olive oil also supports sustainable farming practices that benefit both people and the planet. As more research continues to uncover its benefits, EVOO remains central to a healthy diet and a better future.