Olive Oil Before Carbohydrate-Rich Food May Slow the Rise in Blood Sugar
Amul Info · · g1857910
Researchers at Kyoto University in Japan found that consuming olive oil before carbohydrate-rich food may slow the rise in blood glucose levels. Experiments in laboratory mice suggested that the effect involves digestion and certain hormones. The findings were published in the scientific journal…
Scientists at Kyoto University in Japan conducted a study to investigate how consuming olive oil before carbohydrate-rich food affects the rise in blood glucose levels. Experiments conducted on laboratory mice showed that fats may influence the functioning of the digestive system and the biological mechanisms that regulate blood sugar levels.
The main objective of the study was to determine how the order in which food is consumed affects the body's response to glucose and which biological mechanisms are involved in this process. During the experiments, the researchers compared two different conditions: mice in one group were given olive oil 15 minutes before glucose, while the order of food intake was reversed in the other group.
The results showed that consuming olive oil beforehand slowed gastric emptying. As a result, carbohydrates passed into the small intestine gradually, reducing the sharp rise in blood glucose levels. The findings were published in the scientific journal Diabetes .
The scientists found that this effect was not limited to keeping food in the stomach for a longer period. Olive oil affected the activity of the hormones GLP-1 and GIP in the intestine and also activated relevant pathways of the vagus nerve, which transmits signals between the brain and the digestive organs.
The study also identified the role of glucagon. This hormone is usually associated with raising blood glucose levels. However, the experiments indicated that its combined action with GLP-1 helps limit the increase in glucose levels. This mechanism reportedly continued to function in laboratory mice that had developed pronounced signs of type 2 diabetes and severe insulin deficiency.
According to the study's authors, changing the order in which food is consumed—including taking a small amount of olive oil or other beneficial fats at the beginning of a meal—could be a promising approach to managing blood glucose levels. This method may make it possible to adjust eating habits without completely eliminating carbohydrate-rich foods.
Nevertheless, an important limitation must be taken into account: these findings are based on experiments conducted on laboratory mice. Clinical studies are needed to determine how effective this approach may be in humans, including people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, olive oil should not be used as a treatment for diabetes or as a substitute for medication prescribed by a doctor. People with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider before changing their eating habits.