Final answer:
If using olive oil was shown to significantly reduce heart disease risk, demand for olive oil would likely increase as consumers make healthier dietary choices influenced by such findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a report was released that showed using olive oil for cooking dramatically reduced the risk of heart disease in adults, the likely effect on the demand for olive oil would be an increase. This is because consumers generally prefer to make healthier choices, especially when credible sources support those choices. Given the evidence that unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, can help reduce the risk of heart disease, health-conscious consumers would likely consume more olive oil to take advantage of its reported benefits.
Foods containing high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol have long been known to contribute to heart disease, which is a leading cause of death. Olive oil consists mostly of monounsaturated fats, which are considered a healthier fat that can improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels. As more individuals become aware of how diet affects their health and seek to make healthier choices, such as adopting dietary practices from the Mediterranean diet, olive oil could become a more prominent part of their cuisine.