No, moderate amounts of olive oil, especially extra virgin, generally help lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol, but consuming excessive amounts can contribute to weight gain due to its high calories, which can negatively impact overall cholesterol levels and heart health. The key is moderation and substitution, replacing saturated fats (butter, lard) with olive oil as part of a balanced, plant-focused diet, not just adding more calories.
As a general rule of thumb, between one and two tablespoons a day is a good amount of olive oil to consume. This goes for both olive oil that you drink for health benefits and also olive oil that you consume with food as part of your regular cooking process.
While olive oil, in moderation, can help relieve digestive disorder symptoms, like bloating and constipation, especially in those with inflammatory bowel conditions, ingesting too much can actually trigger gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea and bloating, says Arsenault.
The bitter truth is that, as Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn points out, “Between 14 and 17 percent of olive oil is saturated, artery-clogging fat—every bit as aggressive in promoting heart disease as the saturated fat in roast beef.”
Regardless of the type, olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, containing about 75% by volume. When substituted for saturated fat, monounsaturated fats help lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol. The health benefits of olive oil have been attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Among foods that contribute to clogged arteries are:
While olive oil is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation, excessive intake may lead to weight gain due to its high caloric density. Individuals may experience mild digestive issues, such as frequent stools or allergic reactions, though these instances are rare.
People are drinking or taking a "shot" of olive oil before bed for benefits like improved digestion, reduced inflammation, better sleep quality, and to help with weight management, leveraging its healthy fats, polyphenols, and ability to support hormone production like melatonin. This practice, common in Mediterranean traditions, can promote fullness, potentially curb nighttime cravings, and provide anti-inflammatory relief for better rest.
“Olive oil is very healthy for your liver,” notes Dr. Lindenmeyer. “Olive oil raises your good cholesterol, which is actually protective for your liver against fatty liver disease and also separately good for your heart.”
A study published Jan. 18, 2022, in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the overall and cause-specific risks of death were lower in women and men consuming higher levels of olive oil as opposed to butter, margarine, mayonnaise, and dairy fat.
Taking olive oil along with diabetes medications may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Blood pressure medications interaction with olive oil: Olives seem to have a blood pressure-lowering effect. Taking olive oil along with medications for high blood pressure may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
Studies have concluded that incorporating olive oil into your diet can significantly reduce the fat deposit in your liver. A compound found in olive oil, hydroxytyrosol, has even been shown to reduce the adverse effects of fatty liver disease.
The three worst things for your liver are excessive alcohol, a diet high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt (processed/fast foods), and overuse of certain medications (like acetaminophen/paracetamol), all leading to fat buildup (fatty liver), inflammation, and potential severe damage like cirrhosis, though lifestyle changes can often reverse early stages.
Here are five ways to reverse or reduce fatty liver disease:
The Mediterranean diet includes consuming antioxidant-rich extra-virgin olive oil. The proven health benefits of this “liquid gold” are numerous. They include lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cognitive decline.
Fatty acids in olive oil seem to decrease cholesterol levels and have anti-inflammatory effects. Olive oil is commonly used in foods. As medicine, people most commonly use olive oil for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Studies indicate that having olive oil in the evening can aid overnight metabolism. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help the body relax, while the monounsaturated fats contribute to steady blood sugar levels during sleep.
Daily use of at least two tablespoons of EVOO can lower blood pressure. EVOO with higher phenol content can provide more benefits than EVOO with lower phenol content. Future studies should examine the extent that specific phenols in EVOO are related to reducing blood pressure.
Regular Olive Oil Intake Linked to Reduced Abdominal Fat. A LARGE cohort study of over 16,000 adults found that consistent extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption is strongly associated with lower waist circumference and BMI, independent of overall Mediterranean Diet adherence.
Metabolic health researcher Dr Bill Mullen from Glasgow University discovered that just 20ml (4 tsp) a day of raw – uncooked – olive oil can reduce biomarkers for heart disease within six weeks.
Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and foods high in trans fats and sodium, like most fried foods and salty snacks, because they raise bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, significantly increasing heart disease risk. Focusing on whole foods and limiting these culprits is key for heart health.
In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include:
“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.
Too Much Alcohol
Alcoholic fatty liver, which causes liver inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis), eventual scarring (cirrhosis) and even liver cancer, is a process that begins on as little as four drinks a day for men and two for women. By the time you show symptoms, your liver may be damaged beyond repair.