• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    How Can the Nutraceuticals Industry Empower More Women?

    The Naturally Proud Network: Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Radicle Science Aims to Set New Trajectory for Healthcare with Modern Clinical Trial Model

    Key Trends in Functional Foods for 2024

    New Cognitive Health Solutions Aim to Address Varied Consumer Needs
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Glossary
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Ahiflower Replaces Key Tissue DHA in Mice Comparably to Marine DHA

    Chromadex’s Niagen NR Tested in Phase 1 Parkinson's Study

    Alkemist Announces New Participants in its Transparency Program

    One Hemp Coalition Forms to Advocate for CBD Regulatory Standards

    Earthlight Whole Food Vitamin D Receives Food, Beverage Approval in Brazil
    Exclusives
    Top Companies
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Ahiflower Replaces Key Tissue DHA in Mice Comparably to Marine DHA

    One Hemp Coalition Forms to Advocate for CBD Regulatory Standards

    Earthlight Whole Food Vitamin D Receives Food, Beverage Approval in Brazil

    FDA’s Safety Review of NAC to Go Under Peer Review

    Gnosis by Lesaffre Launches Private-Label Immune Support Supplement MenaQ7 Protect
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Ahiflower Replaces Key Tissue DHA in Mice Comparably to Marine DHA

    Chromadex’s Niagen NR Tested in Phase 1 Parkinson's Study

    How Can the Nutraceuticals Industry Empower More Women?

    Alkemist Announces New Participants in its Transparency Program

    One Hemp Coalition Forms to Advocate for CBD Regulatory Standards
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    How Can the Nutraceuticals Industry Empower More Women?

    Pharmavite Acquires Women’s Health Brand Bonafide for $425 Million

    Kyowa Hakko Discussed Cognitive Health Supplements at Neuro Navigators Event

    Gnosis by Lesaffre Launches Private-Label Immune Support Supplement MenaQ7 Protect

    Beauty Brand Genaura to Launch Product Line Featuring Gencor’s Levagen+
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Applied Food Sciences, Inc.

    RT Specialty

    PhytoGaia Inc

    Botanic Healthcare LLC

    JRS Pharma
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Applied Food Sciences, Inc.

    RT Specialty

    PhytoGaia Inc

    Botanic Healthcare LLC

    JRS Pharma
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Top Companies
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Blog

    Mediterranean Diet: More Than Just a Sum of its Parts

    New research gives boost to olive oil and vegetables with high nitrogen content.

    Mediterranean Diet: More Than Just a Sum of its Parts
    Mediterranean Diet: More Than Just a Sum of its Parts
    Simone Baroke, Contributing Analyst, Euromonitor International07.10.14
    A new study has uncovered a synergistic, blood pressure-lowering effect between certain vegetables and olive oil, which are essential components of the Mediterranean way of eating. Not only should this help olive oil sales recover after a fraught period of recessionary pressure, but it could also boost the health and wellness standing of lettuce, one of the most unappreciated vegetables, long belittled as a mere “bulking agent.”

    It’s About Team Work, Even for Nutrients
    The Mediterranean diet, although highly varied across the extent of the geographical region where it is consumed, is generally based on abundant quantities of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and olive oil, supplemented by plenty of fish, seafood, nuts and seeds.

    But what is it, exactly, about the Mediterranean diet that makes it so healthy? This question has been asked for well over 60 years—ever since Ancel Keys’ seminal study on the island of Crete first established a tangible link between the Mediterranean way of eating and a strikingly low incidence of heart disease.

    Over the years, a raft of studies have centered on isolating supposedly health-promoting components, such as specific fatty acids and polyphenols, although there has always been a sense that the sum of the Mediterranean diet was much greater than its constituent parts.

    Despite this common sense recognition, comparatively little research has so far been carried out on how the different components of the Mediterranean diet may interact with each other to produce a number of positive health outcomes that just cannot seem to be achieved by consuming nutrients in isolation, for example via dietary supplements.

    In May 2014, an intriguing piece of research appeared in a journal published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The paper shed some light on how two groups of food ubiquitous in the Mediterranean diet work together to lower blood pressure, namely nitrite and nitrate-rich vegetables and olive oil.

    Researchers from King’s College London and the University of California found that olive oil’s unsaturated fatty acids reacted with vegetables’ nitrogen compounds, forming nitro fatty acids, which, through their interaction with an enzyme produced by the body, resulted in lowering blood pressure. Although the study was carried out on mice, the researchers are confident that the human body features the same enzymatic pathways and hence that their conclusions are transferrable to the human cardiovascular health realm.

    Switch to Olive Oil Not a Fad
    Although the precise mechanisms are still in the process of being deciphered, the recognition that olive oil plays a major role in the longevity of Mediterranean people has elevated it to the most desirable of culinary oils globally, even in regions where it was virtually unknown only a few decades ago. Our packaged food data show that in India, for example, total volume consumption tripled over the 2008-2013 review period, reaching 10,000 tons in the latter year, while Japan registered a 60% increase to 43,000 tons.

    Olive oil’s growth potential remains strong. Western European average total per capita consumption stood at 2.9 kg in 2013, Australasia’s at 1.9 kg and North America’s at a mere 0.8 kg, compared to Spain’s 11.5 kg and Portugal’s 7 kg.

    The premium price tag, especially of extra virgin olive oil, dampened the category’s growth slightly during the early part of the review period when the grip of the global recession was at its tightest, but now sales are recovering. In 2008, global olive oil retail value sales posted a marginal decline, while in 2013 they boasted double-digit growth.

    The fact that organic olive oil delivered a buoyant performance throughout the review period, driven by unrelentingly high demand in Western Europe and North America, demonstrates just how dedicated health and wellness consumers can become when it comes to what they consider to be their everyday dietary “essentials.” For many, the switch to olive oil is not a fad but a long-term commitment to health and quality-conscious eating.

    Lettuce a Health Food?
    Besides the expected positive impact on olive oil sales, the new research may also help to boost sales of vegetables naturally rich in nitrogen compounds. Among these are beetroot, carrots, celery, celeriac, radishes, green beans, spinach and salad greens in general, including (who’d have thought it!) the humble lettuce.

    Although lettuce is generally regarded as healthy by mainstream consumers, it has always been looked down upon as the lightweight option by the more serious breed of nutritionists. Light green leaves and iceberg lettuce, in particular, barely register on the dedicated health foodist’s nutritional Richter scale, being considered “filler material” at best. Denser vegetables, such as broccoli, fennel, kale and asparagus, are much preferred as these deliver substantial quantities of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

    And while standard lettuce may not be awarded the “superfoods” badge anytime soon, this new research holds at least some degree of promise to help release undervalued leafy greens from their perceived “mainly water and little substance” handicap. 
    Related Searches
    • Fiber
    • Performance
    • Research
    • Organic
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Research
    • Minerals
    • Dietary Supplements
    • Cardiovascular Health
    • Fatty Acids
    • Vitamins
    • Healthcare Trends
    Suggested For You
    Mediterranean Diet Ranked as Best Diet Overall for Sixth Straight Year by U.S. News & World Report Mediterranean Diet Ranked as Best Diet Overall for Sixth Straight Year by U.S. News & World Report
    Antioxidant Flavonols May Slow Age-Related Memory Decline  Antioxidant Flavonols May Slow Age-Related Memory Decline
    Brazil’s ANVISA Grants Novel Food Approval for Ahiflower Oil Brazil’s ANVISA Grants Novel Food Approval for Ahiflower Oil
    Olive Oil Intake Associated with Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Olive Oil Intake Associated with Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality
    Dietary Intervention Reduces Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Dietary Intervention Reduces Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
    Charlotte’s Web Achieves Organic Certification Charlotte’s Web Achieves Organic Certification
    Study Calls for Climate Change Action to Secure Global Food Supply Study Calls for Climate Change Action to Secure Global Food Supply
    Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program Publishes Olive Oil Lab Doc Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program Publishes Olive Oil Lab Doc
    ABC’s Botanical Adulterant Prevention Program Marks 10-Year Anniversary ABC’s Botanical Adulterant Prevention Program Marks 10-Year Anniversary
    Antioxidants Adapt to New Growth Avenues Antioxidants Adapt to New Growth Avenues
    IFF Olive Leaf Extract Receives Non-GMO Project, CAIRM Certifications IFF Olive Leaf Extract Receives Non-GMO Project, CAIRM Certifications
    Omega-3s Improve Vascular Stiffness in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Omega-3s Improve Vascular Stiffness in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
    Worried About Inflammation? Try Walnuts, Researchers Report Worried About Inflammation? Try Walnuts, Researchers Report
    Omega-3s Associated with Better Liver Functioning In NAFLD Patients Omega-3s Associated with Better Liver Functioning In NAFLD Patients
    Getting Ahead of the Curve: COVID Refocuses Attention on Heart Health Getting Ahead of the Curve: COVID Refocuses Attention on Heart Health

    Related Breaking News

    • Breaking News | Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management | Healthy Aging | Industry & Market News | Weight Management/Weight Loss
      Mediterranean Diet Ranked as Best Diet Overall for Sixth Straight Year by U.S. News & World Report

      Mediterranean Diet Ranked as Best Diet Overall for Sixth Straight Year by U.S. News & World Report

      DASH, Flexitarian, MIND, and TLC diets rounded out the top five.
      01.03.23

    • Antioxidants | Breaking News | Cognitive Function | Herbs & Botanicals | Research | Research News
      Antioxidant Flavonols May Slow Age-Related Memory Decline

      Antioxidant Flavonols May Slow Age-Related Memory Decline

      Self-reported intakes of kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin each were associated with significant improvements on cognitive tests.
      12.02.22

    • Breaking News | Certifications, Approvals & Patents | Fatty Acids | Functional Foods & Beverages | Herbs & Botanicals | Natural/Organic | World Markets
      Brazil’s ANVISA Grants Novel Food Approval for Ahiflower Oil

      Brazil’s ANVISA Grants Novel Food Approval for Ahiflower Oil

      The plant-based oil rich in several omega-3 fatty acids was approved for use in conventional food and drink formats.
      11.21.22


    • Breaking News | Cardiovascular Health | Research | Research News
      Olive Oil Intake Associated with Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality

      Olive Oil Intake Associated with Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality

      Study also finds benefit for swapping margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil.
      01.11.22

    • Bone & Joint Health | Breaking News | Functional Foods & Beverages | Healthcare Trends | Inflammation | Medical Nutrition | Natural/Organic | Quality & Safety | Research | Research News
      Dietary Intervention Reduces Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

      Dietary Intervention Reduces Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

      Compared to a control diet, an eating pattern somewhat similar to the Mediterranean diet improved RA symptoms more deeply in combination with medicine.
      12.10.21

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Breaking News
    • Ahiflower Replaces Key Tissue DHA in Mice Comparably to Marine DHA
    • Chromadex’s Niagen NR Tested in Phase 1 Parkinson's Study
    • Alkemist Announces New Participants in its Transparency Program
    • One Hemp Coalition Forms to Advocate for CBD Regulatory Standards
    • Earthlight Whole Food Vitamin D Receives Food, Beverage Approval in Brazil
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November 2023

    • Success Factors in Sports Nutrition
    • Key Trends in Functional Foods for 2024
    • New Cognitive Health Solutions Aim to Address Varied Consumer Needs
    • Why Women are Fleeing STEM Jobs, and How the Nutraceutical Industry Can WIN Them Back
    • Liposomal Delivery: The Future for Dietary Supplement Innovation
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Ahiflower Replaces Key Tissue DHA in Mice Comparably to Marine DHA
    Chromadex’s Niagen NR Tested in Phase 1 Parkinson's Study
    Alkemist Announces New Participants in its Transparency Program
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Weekly Recap: AkzoNobel and Kansai Paint, Tnemec Top This Week’s Stories
    PPG Earns Equality 100 Award in 2023 Corporate Equality Index
    Beckers Aiming for New Industry Standard for Sustainability
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—Dec. 2
    What You’re Reading in November
    Millstone Medical Outsourcing Moves Testing Services into Expanded Facility
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Intas Pharmaceuticals Receives Another Warning Letter from FDA
    Ono Expands Investment in Ono Venture Fund to $200M
    Sirnaomics Names Francois Lebel Chief Medical Officer
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Mary Kay Expands Operations into Hungary
    Anti-Aging Products Market to Hit $60 Billion by 2030
    Wella Company Marks 3 Years of Success—& Aims to Expand
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Beauty Oils Market Share to Hit $10.28 Billion by 2033
    Net Sales For Ulta Beauty Increase To $2.5 Billion in Q3 2023
    Blo Blow Dry Bar Hosts ‘That's a Wrap’ Contest to Benefit St. Jude's
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Kongsberg Launches New Digital Cutting Platform
    Carbon Balance Program Certifies First Printer in North America
    Weekly Recap: Toyo Ink, DIC, Flint Group Top This Week’s Stories
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Top stories from November
    Davis-Standard's headquarters attains ISO 14001 certification
    Abbott Label named AFFLINK preferred supplier
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Weekly Recap: Tampon Designed for Trans Men, Clean Solutions Group Acquires HDK Industries & More
    Nouvelles Fibres Textiles Starts Up Textile Recycling Plant
    Optima Packaging Group Awarded for its Digitalization Strategy
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—Dec. 2
    ODT’s Most Read Articles in November
    Anika's Integrity Implant System Makes its O.R. Debut
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Q3 2023 Global Semiconductor Equipment Billings Drop 11% Year-Over-Year: SEMI
    Weekly Recap: Avery Dennison and 49ers, Linxens Top This Week’s Stories
    HYBRID Software Extends CLOUDFLOW Maker for 3D Binder Jet Applications

    Copyright © 2023 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login