Olive oil has been recognized for its numerous health benefits and has been widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. The following is a summary of research on the health benefits of olive oil.
- Cardiovascular health: Studies have shown that consuming olive oil can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving cholesterol levels (Schwingshackl & Hoffmann, 2014; Estruch et al., 2018). A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil resulted in a 30% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events (Estruch et al., 2018).
- Cancer prevention: Olive oil contains phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been found to reduce the risk of various types of cancer (Visioli & Galli, 2002; Owen et al., 2000). In a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers found that a diet rich in olive oil was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in women (Trichopoulou et al., 2003).
- Brain health: The polyphenols found in olive oil have been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (Martín-Peláez et al., 2013; Solfrizzi et al., 2018). In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers found that consuming extra-virgin olive oil improved cognitive function in elderly individuals (Valls-Pedret et al., 2015).
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Olive oil contains compounds that have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and arthritis (Cicerale et al., 2012; Schwingshackl & Hoffmann, 2014). A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming olive oil reduced markers of inflammation in overweight individuals (Cao et al., 2018).
- Gut health: Olive oil has been found to have prebiotic effects, which may help improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria (Lopez-Huertas, 2010). In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that consuming extra-virgin olive oil increased the levels of beneficial gut bacteria in healthy individuals (Queipo-Ortuño et al., 2013).