Researchers showed that the inflammatory effect of air pollution on our hearts can cause chronic cardiovascular problems. A recent study presented at the 2014 American Thoracic Society International Conference has revealed that olive oil supplements may serve as a viable defense against heart complications caused by exposure  to air pollution, the Medical Daily reported.

"Exposure to airborne particulate matter can lead to endothelial dysfunction, a condition in which the endothelium does not function normally, which is a risk factor for clinical cardiovascular events and progression of atherosclerosis," research biologist with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the study’s lead author, Dr. Haiyan Tong said in a statement. "As olive oil and fish oil are known to have beneficial effects on endothelial dysfunction, we examined whether use of these supplements would counteract the adverse cardiovascular effects of exposure to concentrated ambient particulate matter in a controlled setting."

Tong and her colleagues recruited 42 healthy adults who either received three grams of olive oil, fish oil, or no supplements each day for a period of four weeks. After the four week supplement regimen, participants were exposed to ultrafine concentrated ambient particulate (CAP).

The research team observed a significant particulate matter mass-dependent reduction in flow-mediated dilation immediately after CAP exposure among participants who received no supplements and fish oil, however, the reduction in the olive oil group was not considered significant. 

"Our study suggests that use of olive oil supplements may protect against the adverse vascular effects of exposure to air pollution particles," Tong added.