Olive oil against HIV

Olive Oil Against HIV: A Pioneering Study for Heart Health

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is much more than a culinary ingredient; it is a pillar of health, especially known for its cardiovascular benefits. Now, science is exploring how this “liquid gold” can be a crucial ally for heart health in a specific group: people living with HIV. Thanks to the SEIMC-GESIDA Foundation, an ambitious national study called “Oleum VIHtae” is underway to reveal the impact of EVOO on preventing cardiovascular events in this population.

HIV, in addition to its direct effects on the immune system, has long been recognized as a factor that increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. This means that people with HIV are more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, or other heart diseases compared to the general population. Therefore, it is vital to find strategies that help protect the hearts of these people. This is where olive oil against HIV takes on special importance.

The research

The “Oleum VIHtae” study is a large-scale initiative, with 39 hospitals in fourteen autonomous communities across Spain participating. Led by Dr. Julián Olalla Sierra of the Costa del Sol University Hospital, and sponsored by the SEIMC-GESIDA Foundation, this project will follow 1,342 people living with HIV for up to five years.

The central idea of ​​the study is based on solid evidence: regular consumption of EVOO has already been shown to increase survival and reduce cardiovascular problems in people at high risk. The question is: can it do the same, or even more, for people living with HIV?

Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will receive EVOO for daily consumption, while the other will receive advice on following a low-fat diet. By comparing the results of both groups, researchers hope to obtain irrefutable scientific data on the protective role of olive oil against HIV and cardiovascular health.

The Power of EVOO and Its Fight Against Cardiovascular Risk in HIV

EVOO, especially extra virgin olive oil, is a nutritional marvel. It is full of monounsaturated fatty acids and powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols. These components work together to protect our arteries and reduce inflammation in the body, key factors in the prevention of heart disease. In fact, the Spanish Heart Foundation has noted that including EVOO in the daily diet could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 30% and improve life expectancy, even in people with a history of heart problems.

For people with HIV, where cardiovascular risk is an additional concern, integrating EVOO into their daily diet could be a simple and effective strategy to improve their quality of life and life expectancy. This study seeks precisely that: to provide the scientific evidence necessary to make the recommendation to use EVOO as the main fat in the diet even more compelling, displacing other less healthy fats and promoting a lifestyle that benefits the heart.

Collaboration for a healthier future

This ambitious study would not be possible without the collaboration of several key entities. The Unicaja Foundation supports research and advancement in biomedicine, demonstrating its commitment to health. The Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting this food, will provide the EVOO necessary for the trial to take place. And to ensure that the “liquid gold” reaches each of the participating hospitals, Bidafarma, a pharmaceutical distribution cooperative, will selflessly handle the logistics.

In short, the “Oleum VIHtae” study represents an important milestone in research on health and HIV. Their findings are expected to not only reinforce the importance of EVOO in a healthy diet, but also open new avenues for significantly improving the cardiovascular health of people living with HIV, reaffirming the value of olive oil against HIV as an essential component for a fuller, healthier life.