Researchers have found a compound in some red wines and olive oils for first time ever that can interfere with gut microbes in such ways that may potentially be helpful in preventing heart disease in humans.

The scientists said this research was conducted in mice, and could also disclose why the Mediterranean diet, generally containing red wine and olive oil, is healthy for the heart.

During the study, the researchers targeted the gut microbes of mice with a compound known as DMB. DMB occurs naturally in some cold-pressed extra virgin red wines, balsamic vinegars, olive oils and grape seed oils.

They discovered that the DMB treatment suppressed development of atherosclerosis, hardening of arteries, in the mice without leading to any toxic side effects.

Study senior author Dr. Stanley Hazen, section head of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, said that the latest approach has shown that one can target microbes to hamper atherosclerosis.

Foods containing DMB are generally found in the so-called Mediterranean diet, which cuts heart disease risk. The researchers added that the findings have suggested that the Mediterranean diet’s benefits could stem from its effects on gut microbe activity.

The DMB treatment functions by slowing down the microbes' production of other compound, known as TMA. Generally when gut microbes digest nutrients like lecithin, choline and carnitine, they emit TMA, which, in turn, the human body converts into a molecule known as TMAO.

Earlier, Hazen along with his colleagues have discovered that TMAO is associated with increased chances of suffering from heart attack and stroke in human beings, and a higher risk of atherosclerosis in mice.