No, olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is generally considered anti-inflammatory due to its antioxidants and healthy fats, like oleic acid, and compounds such as oleocanthal, which acts similarly to ibuprofen to fight inflammation, contributing significantly to the Mediterranean diet's health benefits. While excessive consumption of any fat might be a concern for some, EVOO's rich profile helps reduce inflammatory markers and protect against chronic diseases, making it a cornerstone of anti-inflammatory eating.
For most of us, one to two tablespoons minimum of EVOO per day is the sweet spot. This amount has been linked to a range of health benefits, from improved heart health to reduced inflammation.
and Warnings
Up to 1 liter of extra virgin olive oil weekly has been used safely as part of a Mediterranean-style diet for up to 5.8 years. Olive oil is usually well-tolerated. It might cause nausea in a small number of people.
Contrary to what you may have heard, olive oil does not lose its health benefits or become unhealthy when heated. Olive oil has been used for cooking for thousands of years.
Relieves Constipation
Constipation is a common phenomenon in pregnancy. Consuming one spoon of olive oil on an empty stomach is believed to soften your stools and relieve constipation.
Yes, olive oil may help improve sleep quality for some people. Its healthy fats can promote a sense of fullness, potentially preventing late-night snacking. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil may help relax the body, which could aid in falling asleep more easily.
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.
Extra virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation, which may be one of the main reasons for its health benefits. Olive oil's main anti-inflammatory effects are from antioxidants, one of which is oleocanthal. This antioxidant has been shown to work like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.
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.
The worst cooking oils for health are generally those high in saturated fats (like palm oil, coconut oil, butter) and highly processed vegetable/seed oils (like soybean, corn, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, cottonseed oil) which are unstable and form harmful compounds at high heat, potentially raising bad cholesterol (LDL) and contributing to inflammation or disease. Partially hydrogenated oils, containing artificial trans fats, are especially bad and should be avoided, though largely removed from products.
Cardiologists strongly recommend olive oil, especially extra virgin, as a heart-healthy fat because its monounsaturated fats and antioxidants improve cholesterol, lower inflammation, and reduce risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overall mortality, often recommending it as a substitute for butter, margarine, and other saturated fats within a Mediterranean diet framework. Research consistently shows benefits from using more than half a tablespoon daily, linking it to lower risks of heart attacks, strokes, and even neurodegenerative diseases.
When Not To Use Olive Oil
While there's no single "strongest," Omega-3 fatty acids (from fatty fish) and curcumin (from turmeric) are consistently cited as highly potent natural anti-inflammatories, alongside powerful antioxidants from fruits and vegetables like blueberries, plus herbs like ginger and garlic, all working to reduce inflammation pathways. A comprehensive anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes these foods, though Omega-3s and curcumin often stand out for their significant impact.
Next up is oleic acid, the main fatty acid in olive oil. It makes up about 73% of the oil itself, and it's also heart-healthy. “Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that has been shown to help to lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol and reduce risks of heart disease and stroke,” Zumpano says.
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.
Olive oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, including oleic acid, which has been linked to lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease. Latest research has shown that olive oil may support weight management and reduce cravings, too.
Olive oil intake is linked to lower belly fat and healthier weight. A large cross-sectional study reveals that incorporating extra-virgin olive oil into a regular diet is associated with lower waistlines and improved metabolic health, reinforcing its central role in Mediterranean-style eating.
Usually, the small cup of olive oil is followed by a small glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Some people even suggest that a tablespoon or two of olive oil may be all you need to fully reap its benefits. The consumption of olive oil includes a healthier digestive process as well.
Within 2–4 hours of consuming your first tablespoon of EVOO, your body's inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, begin to decrease. Oleocanthal, a compound in EVOO, acts similarly to ibuprofen but without the harmful side effects.
Healthy eating tips to help reduce inflammation
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but for some people, consuming large quantities can cause an upset stomach. This can manifest itself in the form of indigestion, heartburn, or even diarrhea.
There are three main enemies of extra virgin olive oil: light, heat, and oxygen. Any of these factors could affect the olive oil during production (and post-production), causing it to have some kind of sensorial defects.
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.
Olive oil isn't suitable for deep frying
Restaurateur Tim Hayward says for shallow frying he uses a basic olive oil. But for deep frying something like chips or battered fish, vegetable or sunflower oil is best as they withstand higher temperatures without breaking down.