Can You Drink Extra Virgin Olive Oil? | Big Paw Olive Oil

Some of you may already be using Extra Virgin Olive Oils for roasting, baking, sautéing, and other cooking methods you prefer. However, it seems like not many people are familiar with the idea of incorporating drinking Extra Virgin Olive Oil into their daily diet.

In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the health benefits you could get from drinking extra virgin olive oil, the best time to drink, how much you’ll need, and many other things you need to consider.

Why Do People Drink Olive Oil?

While the concept might sound uncommon to most of us, drinking olive oil is a routine for people living in the Mediterranean. While drinking doesn’t differ from adding it to meals through different cooking methods, it helps them keep that minimum dose of 1/4 cup daily to reap the benefits of olive oil.

Health Benefits of Drinking Olive Oil Daily

There’s a reason why drinking olive oil or consuming it in different ways continues to get so much attention as it gives a ton of benefits that all of us could take advantage of to enhance our overall health. Here are some of the few notable benefits of in-taking olive oil daily.

Reduce Glycemic Response

A study from 2016 shows that olive oil is beneficial for reducing glycemic response to high-glycemic-index meals for diabetic patients. This means that a proper amount of olive oil consumed daily stabilizes your blood sugar levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

One of the main characteristics of extra virgin olive oil that makes it crucial to a person’s diet is its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers even say that a 3 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil could replicate the anti-inflammatory effects of the widely used drug called ibuprofen.

Improves Digestive System

Relieving an upset stomach and constipation is not the only benefit you’ll get from improving your digestive system. You’ll also absorb nutrients much more efficiently than ever, impacting your overall health. This is why Olive Oil remains one of the most sought foods for health purposes.

When is the Best Time to Drink Olive Oil?

While drinking olive oil should be more than enough to reap its abundant health benefits, most people prefer drinking it first thing in the morning, right after they wake up with an empty stomach.

How Much Olive Oil Per Day?

As the potency of your Olive Oil differs, and your body composition, the rule of thumb for consuming olive oil is a good amount of 1-2 tbsp per day. Though this number may vary on some factors, it should be a healthy starting point to include olive oils into your daily diet gradually.

Bottomline.

There is no question about the number of health advantages you could get from taking Olive Oils regardless of your preferred method of consumption. Whether you’ll be taking the drinking or cooking route, the quality of your Olive Oil remains crucial to keep things enjoyable and a lot more effective. Feel free to visit us at Big Paw Olive Oil if you’re looking for a high-quality source of Olive Oils today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you drink extra virgin olive oil?
A: Yes, you can drink extra virgin olive oil. Many people have a small amount each day for health reasons, and it is safe when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Q: What are the benefits of drinking olive oil?
A: Drinking olive oil, especially extra virgin, may help your heart, lower inflammation, aid digestion, and offer antioxidant protection. It contains healthy fats and polyphenols, which are linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Q: What happens if you drink olive oil every day?
A: If you drink olive oil every day in moderate amounts (e.g., a tablespoon or two), you may experience benefits like improved cholesterol levels, better blood sugar control, and enhanced digestion. Some studies also link regular consumption to lower inflammation and improved brain health. (Extra-virgin olive oil attenuates amyloid-β and tau pathologies in the brains of TgSwDI mice, 2015, pp. 1050-1061)

Q: How much olive oil should I drink daily?
A: There’s no official daily requirement, but many nutrition experts suggest 1–4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily as part of your overall fat intake, ideally consumed with meals to maximize antioxidant absorption. (Health Benefits of Olive Oil, n.d.)

Q: Is it better to drink olive oil or use it in food?
A: Consuming olive oil with food, such as drizzling it on salads or vegetables, helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins more effectively than drinking it alone. (White, 2017) Drinking it straight is okay, but pairing olive oil with meals can enhance nutritional benefits. (Drinking Olive Oil: Good or Bad?, 2023)

Q: Are there any risks to drinking olive oil?
A: Drinking olive oil has benefits, but it is high in calories. If you have too much without changing your diet, it could lead to weight gain. Some people might also feel digestive discomfort if they drink a lot on an empty stomach.

Q: Can drinking extra virgin olive oil improve skin and overall health?
A: Yes. Regular consumption of high-quality extra virgin olive oil is associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may support skin health, immune function, and long-term wellness as part of a healthy diet.