Study links Natural Compound in Olives to Lower Blood Sugar and Weight Loss

Findings from a new mouse study, to be presented at NUTRITION 2024, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, revealed that elenolic acid, a natural compound found in olives, can lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. This research could lead to the development of safe and affordable natural products for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans.

Elenolic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in olives and olive leaves. It is a key component of oleuropein, the bitter glycoside responsible for many of the health benefits associated with olives and olive oil. Elenolic acid has been studied for its various biological activities, including its potential to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

Its presence in olives adds to the its renowned health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties.

For the study, researchers identified natural compounds that affect L-cells, which release two important metabolic hormones, GLP-1 and PYY, during a meal. These hormones promote satiety, prevent overeating, and regulate blood sugar levels.

They found that elenolic acid, present in mature olives and extra virgin olive oil, can trigger the release of these hormones. Elenolic acid was produced by breaking down oleuropein, a more cost-effective method than direct extraction from olives.