A compound that occurs naturally in olives has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and promote weight loss in a short time, similar to the effects of diabetes medications. This discovery may lead to the development of safe, natural, and cost-effective treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to the New Atlas website, citing the American Dietetic Association.
Safer and more convenient factors
“Lifestyle changes and public health initiatives have had limited success in addressing the increasing prevalence of obesity, a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes,” stated Dongmin Liu, a Virginia Tech professor who led the study. “Existing obesity medications often fail to sustain weight loss, are costly, and/or pose potential long-term safety concerns. Our aim was to create safer, more affordable, and more convenient multi-targeted agents to help prevent metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes.”
Natural compound
A research team from Virginia Tech focused on the secretion of metabolic hormones in the gut, aiming to identify a natural compound that influences L cells, which produce glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide Y (PYY). These two hormones are essential for regulating satiety, hunger, metabolism, and blood sugar levels.
Reduce appetite
The researchers discovered that linoleic acid stimulated the release of GLP-1 and PYY in the intestine, resulting in a significant decrease in food consumption. It also lowered the expression of agouti-related peptide (agRP) in the hypothalamus of the brain, a neuropeptide linked directly to overeating and weight gain.
Energy balance and metabolic health
“The study demonstrated that linoleic acid from olives has promising effects on hormone release and metabolic health, particularly regarding obesity and diabetes,” Liu said. “The compound seems to replicate the physiological conditions of eating to directly enhance metabolic hormone secretion in the gut, aiding in the regulation of energy balance and metabolic health.”
Results within one week
The researchers found that just one week of treatment with oral linoleic acid resulted in weight loss and improved glucose regulation in obese diabetic mice compared to those that did not receive the compound. After 4-5 weeks, the average weight loss in the mice was 10.7%, with blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity similar to those of lean, healthy mice.
Elenolic acid is a derivative of the polyphenol oleuropein, traditionally used as an antioxidant supplement to boost the immune system and combat free radicals. Although this acid is found naturally in olive oil and ripe olives, the researchers noted that its concentration in these sources is likely too low to provide these metabolic benefits. The team extracted the acid from existing oleuropein products. They are currently investigating how the compound is absorbed and metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract, paving the way for human trials.
The findings were presented at NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, and are based on research published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
Natural Miracle: How a Compound from Olives Reduces Blood Sugar and Aids Weight Loss
A novel compound found in olives, linoleic acid, has shown promise in reducing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss, acting similarly to diabetes medications. This discovery paves the way for developing safe, natural, and affordable treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes, as reported by New Atlas and based on research from the American Dietetic Association.
The Research Behind the Discovery
Obesity remains a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, yet traditional lifestyle modifications have had limited impact on its rising prevalence. Dongmin Liu, a professor at Virginia Tech who led the research, emphasized the necessity for effective alternatives. He stated, “Available obesity medications are ineffective at maintaining weight loss, are expensive, and/or carry potential long-term safety risks. Our goal was to develop safer, cheaper, and more convenient multi-targeted agents that can prevent metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes.”
Understanding Linoleic Acid
The research team from Virginia Tech focused on discovering a natural compound capable of influencing the secretion of metabolic hormones in the gut. Their primary targets were L cells, which secrete glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). These hormones play crucial roles in satiety, metabolism, and blood sugar regulation.
How Linoleic Acid Works
Researchers found that the ingestion of linoleic acid triggered the release of GLP-1 and PYY in the intestine, leading to a notable decrease in food intake. This compound also reduced the expression of agouti-related peptide (agRP) in the hypothalamus, a neuropeptide linked to overeating and weight gain.
The Impact on Metabolic Health
According to Liu, “Overall, the study showed that linoleic acid from olives has promising effects on hormone release and metabolic health, especially in obesity and diabetes.” The compound mimics the physiological conditions of eating, directly promoting metabolic hormone secretion in the gut and aiding in the regulation of energy balance and metabolic health.
Promising Results in Animal Studies
Impressive results have emerged from the studies conducted on obese diabetic mice. Just one week of oral linoleic acid treatment led to noticeable weight loss and improved glucose regulation. After a period of 4 to 5 weeks, these mice exhibited an average weight loss of 10.7%, with their blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity becoming similar to those of leaner, healthy counterparts.
Concentration of Elenolic Acid
Elenolic acid, a derivative of the polyphenol oleuropein, is known for its antioxidant properties. While it exists naturally in olive oil and ripe olives, the concentration might be too low to provide significant metabolic benefits. The research team extracted elenolic acid from existing oleuropein products to conduct their studies. They are currently investigating how the compound is absorbed and metabolized within the gastrointestinal tract, setting the stage for potential human trials.
Benefits of Linoleic Acid
The potential benefits of linoleic acid extend beyond just weight loss and blood sugar regulation. Here are some notable advantages:
- Natural Source: Derived from olives, it presents a natural alternative to synthetic medications.
- Multi-Targeted Action: It affects various hormones linked to hunger, satiety, and metabolism.
- Less Risk: Unlike some obesity medications, linoleic acid may have fewer long-term safety concerns.
- Cost-Effective: It may provide an affordable treatment option compared to current pharmaceutical alternatives.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Olives into Your Diet
If you’re looking to reap the potential benefits of linoleic acid, here are some tips to incorporate olives and olive oil into your daily meals:
- Use Olive Oil: Substitute olive oil for butter or other oils in cooking and salad dressings.
- Snack on Olives: Enjoy olives as a healthy snack; they are rich in beneficial fats.
- Add to Dishes: Incorporate olives into pastas, pizzas, or grain bowls for additional flavor and nutrients.
- Experiment with Preserves: Use tapenade or olive spreads as toppings for sandwiches or bruschetta.
Future Research and Human Trials
The findings were presented at NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, showcasing promising advancements in nutritional research. The research team’s ongoing studies aim to better understand the absorption and metabolism of linoleic acid in humans, with the hope of conducting human trials in the near future.
Conclusion
As obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to escalate globally, exploring natural and safe alternatives like linoleic acid from olives represents a fascinating advancement in metabolic health treatment. The ongoing research indicates a path toward not only managing weight and blood sugar levels but also improving overall health outcomes for millions.