16/06/2026
Weekly NED Alert: The effects of extra virgin olive oil or butter on cardiovascular biomarkers in European and Chinese males in the UK: A pilot randomised crossover trial. With Expert Review from Chloe Steele
The consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been associated with improved cardiovascular health as a result of its high monounsaturated fat content and the phenolic compounds it contains. However, most research has been completed in individuals from Mediterranean countries, it is unclear whether ethnicity may influence metabolic responses to dietary fats.
This was a randomised control trial of 32 healthy adults of Chinese and European origin comparing the effects of consuming 30g EVOO to butter over a 2-week period.
The results showed that compared to butter, EVOO was associated with reduced blood pressure, and lower total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c).Interestingly, ethnic differences were apparent. Asian individuals reported significant improvements to systolic blood pressure and lower total cholesterol. While Caucasians reported lower diastolic blood pressure, lower LDL-c, and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c).
It was concluded that consumption of EVOO for 2-weeks instead of butter is associated with better markers of cardiovascular risk but differences in specific parameters were ethnically influenced.
This paper has been BANT enhanced on the Nutrition Evidence database https://nutrition-evidence.com/article/461722. The next Nutrition Evidence alert is due out soon. Sign up now so you don’t miss out https://www.nutrition-evidence.com. Signing up will give you access to the top research picks from one of our experts.
