Health gurus on social media are sipping olive oil as a panacea, and nutritionist Lauren Manaker is intrigued. She said that olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, and it sounded really good, so she decided to try it herself and record the results. She challenged herself to drink a spoonful of olive oil every day for a week to observe the changes in her body.

Mannak said that when she was preparing to welcome the spicy liquid gold that everyone praised for the first time, she took a deep breath, and the thick, almost sticky texture and strong flavor made her give up. She decided to try a higher-end and more expensive brand, hoping for a smoother experience, but it still didn't work.

Later, she remembered Starbucks' Oleato series made with pure olive oil, and decided to draw inspiration from it. After making coffee in the morning, she added a tablespoon of olive oil, and then whipped it with a blender. A cup of dense, mellow, and delicious latte allowed Manak to meet the challenge again.

Mannak then gets creative: pop popcorn with a spoonful of olive oil, then drizzle another spoonful over freshly roasted vegetables. She unknowingly completed the seven-day olive oil intake plan, and because she enjoyed it, she decided to continue.

What happens after taking a spoonful of olive oil daily?

Mannak’s actual measurement results were far less dramatic than imagined, and there were no miraculous changes or any surprising side effects. She said that within seven days, she did not notice any significant changes in her body. She did not want to get up in the morning, and her concentration at work did not improve. Her skin did not suddenly become translucent, and her hair did not become shiny.

In terms of digestion, it was no different. She had read reports of people going straight to the bathroom after drinking olive oil, but her gastrointestinal reaction was completely calm.

Manak said that despite the hype on social media, drinking olive oil daily did not bring her life-changing effects in just one week; she could not feel the slightest difference in health, energy, skin condition or other aspects. But that doesn’t mean it’s worthless to try, she said. As a nutritionist, she knows that olive oil’s many benefits are not a magic bullet; just because we can’t feel how our bodies fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, or reduce the risk of cognitive decline doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

While Mannak's one-week experiment was not life-changing, the long-term benefits of olive oil are well documented. Here are some powerful reasons to include olive oil in your diet:

- Rich in heart-protecting fats: The key to why extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet is that its main component is monounsaturated fat, specifically oleic acid. Studies have proven that this type of fat can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL), protecting cardiovascular health.

- Source of antioxidants: Olive oil is rich in powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin E. These compounds can neutralize harmful free radicals and combat oxidative stress in the body, thereby protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

- Anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and even some cancers. The key antioxidant in olive oil, oleocanthal, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. Regular intake can help reduce the inflammatory index in the body.

- Promotes brain health: The healthy fats and antioxidants in olive oil are also good for the brain. Research data shows that a diet rich in olive oil can help prevent cognitive decline, strengthen memory, and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

- Helps with weight management: Although olive oil is a high-calorie food, ingestion by certain groups may not lead to weight gain. Its unique healthy fat composition can also promote metabolism and fat oxidation.

Can I take too much olive oil?

Yes, it is possible to consume too much of the best food. Olive oil is a high-calorie fat. Although it contains high-quality fat, if the total daily caloric intake is too high, it will still lead to weight gain. In addition, excessive intake of olive oil may cause digestive discomfort or soft stools due to its high fat content.

Who is not suitable for drinking olive oil?

Olive oil is safe and beneficial to most people, but some groups need to be cautious. For people with sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome, ingesting large amounts of oil may cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. People who are allergic to olives should also avoid it. If you are taking anticoagulant drugs or have a bleeding disorder, it is recommended to consult a physician, as the vitamin K and anti-inflammatory components in olive oil may interact with the drugs.