November 4, 2004- The American agency responsible for food control now authorizes olive oil producers to write, on their bottles, the description of the beneficial effects of this product on the health of the heart.
Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes that there is scientific evidence, albeit limited and inconclusive, that the monounsaturated fat in olive oil may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
“To take advantage of the benefits of olive oil, the consumer must replace the saturated fat in his diet with an equivalent amount of olive oil and be careful not to increase the total number of calories ingested”, specifies a agency press release1. The FDA points out that the scientific research on which its decision is based seems to show that you should consume about two tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil per day in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Cardiovascular disease is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States. This situation has led the American agency to consider that it is in the interest of public health to allow consumers to obtain information on ways to reduce their risk of suffering from it.
Olive oil, a food that is an integral part of what is called the Mediterranean diet, is rich in vitamins A, D and K. The monounsaturated fat it contains helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL ).
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
According to CNN and the FDA
1. To access the FDA press release: www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01129.html
