Olive Oil and Appetite

We all know by now that olive oil, specifically extra virgin, is a very healthy addition to our diet – but a recent study presented at a German symposium on fat found that cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil, ounce for ounce, may be more filling than other oils.

 

Researchers at TUM and the University of Vienna administered one18-ounce serving of low-fat yogurt to 120 volunteers daily (in addition to their regular diet). Mixed in the yogurt was either three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, butter, or lard. After analyzing the data, researchers found that the volunteers in the olive oil group reported feeling more full during the three-month study, and they had larger concentrations of serotonin in their blood—a signal of satiety.

 

Volunteers who ate yogurt with just olive oil consumed fewer calories over a three-month period than those who ate plain yogurt, and they finished the study with less body fat.

 

The results surprised researchers, because canola and olive oil contain similar fatty acids. Researchers concluded that aromatic compounds in extra-virgin olive oil block the absorption of glucose from the blood, delaying the feelings of hunger.

 

 

SupermarketGuru suggests when shopping for olive oil, look for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as extra virgin is the highest quality and most expensive olive oil classification. It should have no defects and a flavor of fresh olives. Cooking with EVOO is not recommended as high temperatures can damage the delicate fats.

 

For more on olive oil click here.