Spanish researchers studied over 6,600 adults at high risk for heart disease to see how plant compounds in foods like coffee, olives, and olive oil affect cardiovascular risk differently between men and women. They found that people who consumed more olive oil and olives had higher heart disease risk, possibly because those already at risk were trying to eat healthier foods. Coffee consumption was also linked to higher risk in both sexes, but the patterns differed between men and women, suggesting that dietary recommendations might need to consider gender differences.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How plant compounds from foods like coffee, olives, and olive oil relate to heart disease risk in men versus women
  • Who participated: 6,633 Spanish adults who were already at high risk for heart disease
  • Key finding: People eating more olives and olive oil had 2.7% higher cardiovascular risk, with different patterns between men and women
  • What it means for you: The relationship between healthy plant foods and heart risk may be more complex than expected, and gender might matter when making dietary choices

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, meaning researchers took a snapshot of people’s diets and health at one point in time. They analyzed 26 different types of plant compounds called polyphenols from various foods and grouped them into patterns based on what people typically ate together. The researchers then used mathematical models to see how these eating patterns related to cardiovascular risk scores calculated using the well-established Framingham equation.

This approach is important because it looks at real-world eating patterns rather than isolated nutrients. People don’t eat individual compounds in isolation - they eat foods that contain many different plant compounds together. By studying patterns, researchers can better understand how our actual diets affect our health.

The large sample size of over 6,600 people gives the study good statistical power. However, since this was a snapshot study rather than following people over time, it can’t prove that these foods caused the higher risk - only that they were associated with it.

What the Results Show

The study identified several distinct eating patterns based on plant compound intake. The most surprising finding was that people who ate more olives and olive oil - foods typically considered heart-healthy - actually had higher cardiovascular risk scores. This pattern was associated with a 2.71% higher risk in the overall group and 3.17% higher risk specifically in men. Coffee consumption also showed increased risk, with men showing 1.99% higher risk and women 2.19% higher risk when they drank more coffee. These associations remained even after accounting for other health factors.

The researchers found that people with higher olive and olive oil consumption also had higher rates of diabetes, were more likely to smoke, and consumed more salt. Similarly, those who drank more coffee had higher rates of diabetes, were more likely to be current smokers, and consumed more sugar. These lifestyle factors may help explain the unexpected associations.

These findings seem to contradict previous research showing that olive oil and coffee can be part of a healthy diet. However, most previous studies looked at people with average health, not those already at high cardiovascular risk like this study’s participants.

The biggest limitation is that this study can’t prove cause and effect. It’s possible that people who already knew they were at high risk were trying to eat more ‘healthy’ foods like olive oil, creating a reverse relationship. The study also only looked at Spanish adults at high risk, so results may not apply to other populations or healthier individuals.

The Bottom Line

Don’t abandon olive oil or coffee based on this study alone. The findings likely reflect reverse causation - people at higher risk trying to eat healthier foods. However, the study does suggest that overall dietary patterns and lifestyle factors matter more than individual foods. Focus on reducing smoking, managing diabetes, and limiting salt and sugar intake.

People already at high cardiovascular risk should discuss these findings with their healthcare providers. Healthy individuals shouldn’t worry about moderate olive oil or coffee consumption. Those with diabetes or who smoke should prioritize addressing these risk factors first.

Any dietary changes should be part of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health that includes medical management of existing conditions. Benefits from lifestyle changes typically become apparent over months to years, not weeks.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your overall cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, smoking status, and sodium intake rather than focusing solely on individual foods
  • Monitor your complete dietary pattern and lifestyle factors together, paying attention to how ‘healthy’ foods fit into your overall eating habits and health status
  • Log cardiovascular risk factors monthly and dietary patterns weekly to identify trends and discuss findings with healthcare providers during regular check-ups

This research shows associations, not causation, and involved people already at high cardiovascular risk. Do not make major dietary changes without consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing heart disease risk factors or take medications.