Heart Health

Consuming extra-virgin olive oil could lower your risk of heart disease.

Extra-virgin olive oil specifically can help lower blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Bone Health

Consuming olive oil might contribute to bone density.

person cooking with olive oil

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Skin Health

Extra-virgin olive oil hasmany skin benefits, including moisturizing, cleansing, and fighting signs of aging.

Brain Health

Extra-virgin olive oil may help prevent dementia.

However, olive oil cannot treat cancer.

Elizabeth Barnes, RDN

Diabetes Prevention

Consuming extra-virgin olive oil regularly is associated with a reduction in body weight.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Nutrition

Extra-virgin olive oil contains almost all fat.

However, the benefits of these healthy fats can be gained from both extra-virgin or regular olive oil.

Is It OK to Drink Extra-Virgin Olive Oil?

Can You Cook With Extra-Virgin Olive Oil?

A Word From Verywell

Adding extra virgin olive oil to your diet can be easy.

Add a splash of olive oil to soups and stews.

Drizzle a small amount over finished pasta dishes.

you could even use olive oil in place of other oils or butter in your baked goods.

Remember, different brands of extra-virgin olive oils taste differently.

Some are mild; some more bitter or peppery.

If you don’t like one, try another.

The benefits of finding one you like are worth it.

Potential Risks of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

There are few risks of extra-virgin olive oil.

As with anything you consume, its important to be aware of any allergies you may have.

Who Should Avoid Extra-Virgin Olive Oil?

Extra-virgin olive oil is generally considered safe.

These can give benefits similar to extra-virgin olive oil, including preventing cardiovascular disease.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil vs.

There are some functional differences too.

That can make it difficult to cook with.

It can even be used for skin care.

2019 Sep. doi: 10.3390/nu11092039.

Harvard Health Publishing.Is extra virgin olive oil extra healthy?

FDA.FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for oleic acid and the risk of coronary heart disease.

N Engl J Med.

2021;8(3):89. doi:10.3390/cosmetics8030089

EurekaAlert.Opting for olive oil could boost brain health.

USDA FoodData Central.Extra virgin olive oil.

National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Facts about monounsaturated fats.