Olives for a Healthy Lifestyle

Overseen By Tassos Kyriakides, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Olive allergy, Blood draw reactions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 5 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if consuming six table olives daily can improve health factors such as heart health and inflammation in young adults. Researchers will compare blood samples taken before and after five weeks to identify any changes. Participants will either maintain a regular diet or incorporate olives into their meals. Yale College freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who do not frequently consume olives or olive oil and can eat six olives a day may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to nutritional research and potentially enhance personal health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is there any evidence suggesting that introducing olives into the diet is safe?

Research has shown that eating olives is generally safe for most people. Studies have found that olives can aid digestion and improve overall health. However, due to their salt content, some people might experience thirst or bloating after eating them. This is a short-term effect.

There is little evidence of serious side effects when olives are part of a regular diet. Most sources agree that eating olives is safe, but it's important to be mindful of salt intake. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using olives for a healthy lifestyle because they are a simple, natural addition to the diet that may offer health benefits without the need for medication. Unlike traditional treatments for improving lifestyle and health, which often include medications or more drastic dietary changes, this approach focuses on the natural properties of olives. Olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which might support heart health and reduce inflammation. This makes the treatment both accessible and easy to incorporate into daily life, potentially offering a new way to boost health with minimal changes to existing habits.

What evidence suggests that introducing olives into the diet could be effective for improving health in young adults?

Studies have shown that eating table olives can benefit heart health, reduce inflammation, and help maintain a healthy balance in the body. Olives contain healthy fats and antioxidants, which benefit heart health. Research suggests these nutrients can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Although much of this research focuses on adults with health issues, it also indicates potential benefits for healthy young adults. In this trial, participants in the investigational arm will consume 6 olives daily alongside their regular diet. Early findings suggest that regularly eating olives could improve heart and metabolic health markers. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Tassos Kyriakides, PhD

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Yale College Freshmen, Sophomores, or Juniors aged 18+, willing to eat 6 olives daily and participate in all study procedures. Excluded are those who already consume lots of olives or olive oil, have allergies to olives, issues with blood draws, are pregnant, or seniors.

Inclusion Criteria

Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study

I am willing and able to sign the informed consent.

I am a Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior at Yale College.

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to consume fruit with pits

Known allergic reactions to olives and/or their derivatives

Known reactions to blood draw

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

4 weeks

Online screening survey

Enrollment

Eligible participants are consented and enrolled in the study

1 week

In-person consent at dining hall

Treatment

Participants consume 6 organic olives daily for 5 weeks

5 weeks

Daily monitoring via dining hall card swipe

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers

1 week

Blood draw at baseline and week 5

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Olives

Trial Overview

The study tests if eating table olives daily can benefit the health of young adults. It measures changes in cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers from blood samples before and after a period of five weeks of olive consumption.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Investigational Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Yale Dining menu + 6 olives daily

Group II: Standard Active Control 1 Intervention

Yale Dining menu only

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has been linked to numerous health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer, as evidenced by an increase in clinical trials over the last decade.

The diet's positive effects are largely attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with strict adherence and specific components like olive oil playing crucial roles in managing obesity and waist circumference.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Mediterranean Diet: An Update of the Clinical Trials. Finicelli, M., Di Salle, A., Galderisi, U., et al.[2022]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11353474/

Health Outcomes Associated with Olive Oil Intake

The primary health benefits of OO were observed in cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, cancer, mortality, diabetes, and specific biomarkers.

2.

aboutoliveoil.org

aboutoliveoil.org/health-benefits-of-olives-and-olive-oil

Health Benefits of Olives and Olive Oil

Olives and olive oil provide powerful health benefits, supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and enhancing a balanced diet. Discover more!

3.

researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/347296647_Table_olives_and_health_a_review

Table olives and health: a review

The possible health benefits associated with their consumption are thought to be primarily related to effects of MUFA on cardiovascular health, the antioxidant ...

4.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7737178/

Table olives and health: a review - PMC - PubMed Central

This review focused comprehensively on the nutrients and bioactive compound content as well as the health benefits assigned to table olives.

5.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-healthy-diet-1-2022-536a6

Olives for a Healthy Lifestyle · Info for Participants

Several studies have shown that addition of olives as part of somebody's diet has a positive impact on cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory factors.

6.

vinmec.com

vinmec.com/eng/blog/olive-oil-uses-side-effects-interactions-dosage-and-warnings-en

Olive Oil: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and ...

Olive oil is generally safe when applied to the skin. It may cause delayed allergic reactions and can affect dermatitis. 4.3. When inhaled.

7.

eatingwell.com

eatingwell.com/are-olives-good-for-you-8714866

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Olives Regularly

“Since olives are salty you may feel thirsty and bloated as a short-term symptom of eating too much salt.” Olives are helpful for digestion, ...

8.

webmd.com

webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/olive-uses-and-risks

Olive: Uses and Risks

Side effects. Little is known about any adverse effects from olive leaf. Olive oil or olives, as food, are safe. Risks. Avoid olive leaves ...

9.

webmd.com

webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-233/olive

Olive - Uses, Side Effects, and More

There isn't enough reliable information to know if olive is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food ...