• 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
    Nutraceuticals for Men: Muscle Health and Performance Nutrition

    Aging in Place: Healthy Lifestyles Supplement Science-Based Solutions

    Getting an Edge in Esports: Meeting the Health Needs of Competitive Gamers

    Beyond CBD: Cannabis Compounds Warrant Recognition and More Research

    Leveling Out the Energy Segment for Mainstream, and Rethinking Caffeine
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada

    Coca-Cola to Phase Out Honest Tea Brand by Year’s End, Citing Supply Chain Challenges

    Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level

    Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line
    Exclusives
    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

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Botanical Ingredient MorActive Evidenced to Relieve Back Discomfort

    Cargill’s Stevia Sustainability Program Benchmarked by FSA

    GOED Creates Infographic Highlighting Omega-3 Health Claims Approved in Europe

    Kyowa Hakko Appoints Dr. Colin Hill to Immuse Scientific Advisory Board
    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

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada

    Coca-Cola to Phase Out Honest Tea Brand by Year’s End, Citing Supply Chain Challenges

    Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level

    Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line
    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

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line

    Botanical Ingredient MorActive Evidenced to Relieve Back Discomfort

    Kyowa Hakko Appoints Dr. Colin Hill to Immuse Scientific Advisory Board

    Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Gencor

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Verdure Sciences

    PhytoGaia Inc
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Gencor

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Verdure Sciences

    PhytoGaia Inc
    • 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
    • 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
    Related CONTENT
    • Olive Oil Intake Associated with Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality
    • Dietary Intervention Reduces Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
    • Charlotte’s Web Achieves Organic Certification
    • Functional Food, Beverage Possibilities Open with GRAS Status of Blue California’s Dihydroquercetin
    • Study Calls for Climate Change Action to Secure Global Food Supply
    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
    • Minerals
    • Japan
    • Fruits
    • Heart Disease
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Vitamins
    • Fatty Acids
    • Dietary Supplements
    Suggested For You
    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
    Functional Food, Beverage Possibilities Open with GRAS Status of Blue California’s Dihydroquercetin Functional Food, Beverage Possibilities Open with GRAS Status of Blue California’s Dihydroquercetin
    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
    Stepan Lipid Nutrition Highlights Marinol Product Line Stepan Lipid Nutrition Highlights Marinol Product Line
    Nature Made Introduces Four New Supplements Nature Made Introduces Four New Supplements

    Related Content

    • 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

    • Breaking News | Certifications, Approvals & Patents | Contract Manufacturing | Dietary Supplements | Herbs & Botanicals | Natural/Organic | Regulations
      Charlotte’s Web Achieves Organic Certification

      Charlotte’s Web Achieves Organic Certification

      The USDA Organic Seal will now appear on select full-spectrum hemp extract tinctures offered by the company.
      10.12.21


    • Antioxidants | Breaking News | Certifications, Approvals & Patents | Supplier Insights
      Functional Food, Beverage Possibilities Open with GRAS Status of Blue California’s Dihydroquercetin

      Functional Food, Beverage Possibilities Open with GRAS Status of Blue California’s Dihydroquercetin

      A flavonoid commonly found in apples, olive oil, and red onions, DHQ has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
      Sean Moloughney, Editor 05.25.21

    • Breaking News | Healthcare Trends | Industry & Market News | Natural/Organic | World Markets
      Study Calls for Climate Change Action to Secure Global Food Supply

      Study Calls for Climate Change Action to Secure Global Food Supply

      Climate change and the quality of nutrition are the major public health challenge of this decade, and maybe the century.
      Sean Moloughney, Editor 04.20.21

      Trending
      • Vitamin D3, Omega-3s, Exercise May Cumulatively Reduce Cancer Risk In Older Adults | Nutraceuticals World
      • Leaven Essential To Launch Branded Botanical Extracts To Global Markets | Nutraceuticals World
      • Vitamin D3, Omega-3s, Exercise May Cumulatively Reduce Cancer Risk in Older Adults
      • Oregon Files Lawsuit Against GNC | Nutraceuticals World
      Breaking News
      • Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research
      • Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada
      • Coca-Cola to Phase Out Honest Tea Brand by Year’s End, Citing Supply Chain Challenges
      • Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level
      • Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      May 2022

      • Aging in Place: Lifestyle Supplements Science-Based Solutions
      • Getting an Edge in Esports: Meeting Health & Nutrition Needs
      • Nutraceuticals for Men: Muscle Health and Performance Nutrition

      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

      Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada
      Coca-Cola to Phase Out Honest Tea Brand by Year’s End, Citing Supply Chain Challenges
      Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      PPG Sets Goals to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Unveils 2021 ESG Report
      Birla Carbon to Present Sustainable Carbon-based Solutions at PaintIndia 2022
      BTC Europe, NXTLEVVEL Biochem to Distribute Biobased & Biodegradable Solvents in Europe
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Kilo Health Invests 500,000 Euros in Pulsetto
      China to Strengthen Robotic Surgical Market With Second 5-Year Plan
      First Patient Enrolled in Alucent Biomedical's Vascular Scaffolding Clinical Trial
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Steriline Robotic Applications to Improve Quality in Drug Primary Packaging
      A Clean Sweep for AES at FOYA Awards
      Lonza, IBF Partner on Drug Development, Manufacture for Portfolio Cos
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Men’s Skincare Market to Hit $13 Billion by End of 2022
      Estée Lauder Promotes Gibu Thomas to EVP, ELC Online
      HipDot Launches Girl Scout Cookie Collection
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Duke Cannon Supply Co. Inks Five-Year Deal As Official Grooming Partner of the Army-Navy Football Game to be Held on Dec. 10
      Croda Achieves Highest Carbon Management Level in Ecovadis’ New Carbon Scorecard
      OleHenriksen’s “Big Oh Duo” Pairs New Body Skincare and Sexual Wellness Device
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Weekly Recap: Zeller+Gmelin, Sun Chemical and Kornit Top This Week’s News
      Nazdar Celebrates 100 Years with a New Look
      hubergroup Chemicals Exhibits at Paint India for First Time
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Rotocon wins AI Business Excellence Award
      Quad adds Landa S10P Nanographic Printing Press
      Sihl launches materials for on-demand color label printing
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
      Thinx Names Meghan Davis as CEO
      Kimberly-Clark Reportedly Examining Sale of Latin American Tissue
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      James W. Stone Named AANA President
      Tom Hedman Named Senior Principal Scientist at Spinal Simplicity
      ODT's Most Read Stories This Week—May 21
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Weekly Recap: Graphene Flagship, Japan Display and LG Display Top This Week’s Stories
      Evonik Launches New Processing Aids for PV Wafer Cutting
      NREL Creates Highest Efficiency 1-Sun Solar Cell

      Copyright © 2022 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