Extra virgin olive oil may positively influence the composition of the gut microbiome and help create a more protective internal ecosystem, according to research highlighted by Yale assistant professor of public health Tasos Kyriakides.
Speaking to FM Agency during Tania Mantouvalou’s program 104.9 Health Secrets, Kyriakides said both laboratory studies and smaller recent clinical investigations demonstrated that extra virgin olive oil could encourage shifts in gut bacteria associated with stronger health outcomes.
His research focuses on the relationship between nutrition, health and olive oil.
“The changes observed are linked to a shift in balance towards bacteria associated with better health indicators,” Kyriakides said, explaining that the gut microbiome maintains a direct and decisive relationship with the immune system.
He added that interventions supporting a healthier microbial environment may strengthen immune function and could potentially influence diseases connected to immune activity.
Kyriakides addressed the issue while participating as one of the keynote speakers at the third ELIA Lesvos Confest – Elaion Panton Valsamon Esti, held in Mytilene from 27–30 May with support from National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Yale University and the International Olive Council.
Reduced metabolic syndrome markers after four months
According to a study conducted by his team, participants who consumed olive oil with high concentrations of phenolic compounds alongside a balanced diet achieved stabilisation — and in some cases reduction — of metabolic syndrome markers within 12 to 16 weeks.
Kyriakides said these findings may translate into improved outcomes for patients.
Building on the results, the research team has launched further studies to determine whether high-phenol olive oil can reduce the risk of developing diabetes among people with prediabetes or elevated metabolic risk.
Researchers are also examining whether patients already diagnosed with diabetes may benefit through improved disease stability and better clinical outcomes.
The next phase of research will focus on diabetic patients to assess whether systematic use of this type of olive oil can slow disease progression and reduce its long-term effects.
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diabetes, Greece news, Greek City Times, Greek news, gut microbiome, health, Lesvos, metabolic syndrome, nutrition, olive oil, Tasos Kyriakides, Yale University