The study, titled 'Influence of polyphenols and minor compounds of extra virgin olive oil on gut microbiota and their physiological consequences,' has been honored with the prestigious VIII Luis Vañó Castillo de Canena International Award for Olive Oil Research. This work, led by a team from the University of Jaén, has highlighted the
positive effects of the minor components of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) and phenolic compounds on the gut microbiota.
The research emphasizes that EVOO possesses antimicrobial activity attributed to its polyphenols, which are capable of modulating the composition of microorganisms present in the intestine. This modulation promotes the growth of indigenous bacteria that have co-evolved with humans and are beneficial for their physiology.
“"EVOO polyphenols prevent other opportunistic bacteria from growing. These bacteria, which feed on easily assimilated nutrients, do not have a respectful relationship with our physiology and cause inflammation in our intestine."
The management of the company organizing the award has underscored the importance of this work, which provides
new and interesting data on the enormous benefits of regular consumption of natural olive juices for health.
The VIII Luis Vañó International Award for Olive Oil Research, held biennially, is organized by Castillo de Canena in collaboration with the University of Jaén and the UC Davis Olive Center. Its objective is to foster scientific and technological knowledge in the field of research on olive groves and olive oils, granting a prize of 6,000 euros and an accrediting plaque to the winning work.
