Immune cells from mice eating olive oil and nuts stuck less to the inside of blood vessels in a lab test, meaning they were less likely to start building artery plaques.
Scientific Claim
In male Ldlr–/– mice, EVOND feeding was associated with a 35–40% reduction in firm adhesion of CD11c+ foamy monocytes to vascular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and E-selectin) under shear flow conditions compared to a Western diet, indicating reduced vascular recruitment potential.
Original Statement
“Monocytes in mice fed EVOND, with less lipid accumulation and reduced CD11c expression, had significantly reduced adhesion to VCAM-1 and E-selectin compared to those from mice fed WD (Figures 5A and 5B).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The assay is controlled and quantitative, but limited to ex vivo conditions. The association is strong, but causation cannot be inferred beyond the model.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The study found that feeding mice a healthier diet with olive oil and nuts made their immune cells stick less to blood vessel walls, which means fewer harmful cells build up in arteries — exactly what the claim says.