115 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits cardiovascular risk factors (clinical history of hypertension, diabetes, obesity), and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were recorded in a scale from 0-10 points. After adjustment by age, gender, and tobacco consumption, exclusive ingestion of virgin olive oil as a source of dietary fat was significantly associated with healthy ageing, particularly in individuals aged more than 70. Thus, although more human studies are required, it seems that virgin olive oil consumption as a main dietary fat promotes benefits on ageing, and perhaps for longevity (Figure 8.6). It should be noted, however, that virgin olive oil consumption benefits should be considered within the frame of a balanced diet, in which the quantity of fat must not exceed current guidelines. A high fat ingestion is detrimental even with the best virgin olive oil. Figure 8.6. Role of dietary fat on ageing. Diet can modulate ageing and its associated diseases. Dietary fat can, through its fatty acids, and in the case of virgin olive oil its minor compounds, exert beneficial (virgin olive oil and, to some extent, fish oil) or harmful (sunflower oil) effects by modulating ageing associated disturbances such as free radicals and inflammation. Diet Dietary fat Fatty acids + minor compounds Virgin olive oil Sunflower oil Fish oil Free radicals Inflammation Diseases associated with ageing ageing
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