Study finds olives can help with obesity and diabetes [Video]

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Olives could help beat obesity – and keep diabetes at bay, according to new research.

The findings suggest that elenolic acid – a natural compound found in mature olives and extra virgin olive oil – can lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

Scientists say the study involving mice could pave the way for the development of cheap and safe natural products for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The research team found that after just one week, obese mice with diabetes who were given oral elenolic acid weighed “significantly” less and showed better blood sugar regulation than before treatment and compared to control obese mice who didn’t receive elenolic acid.

They said the glucose-lowering effect was comparable with that of the injectable diabetic medication liraglutide and better than metformin, one of the most common oral medicines for type 2 diabetes.

Research team leader Professor Dongmin Liu, of Virginia Tech, said: “Lifestyle modifications and public …