DRINKING OLIVE OIL: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Drinking extra virgin olive oil is a quick and easy way to boost your daily intake of healthy fats and antioxidants. If this sounds like a new concept to you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. While most people are familiar with EVOO’s more conventional uses cooking, drizzling, and dipping drinking it may seem like a foreign concept. And when you consider that drinking olive oil is a widespread practice in Mediterranean countries like Italy Greece and Spain, it turns out it is a foreign concept. Proponents claim that sipping a little olive oil every day can provide a wealth of health benefits, but if this practice is new to you, you might need a little convincing. 

IS IT SAFE TO DRINK OLIVE OIL?

Let’s start by stating the obvious: it’s always wise to research and investigate health-related tips you find online. Fortunately, the more you learn about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, the more you’ll be impressed. Since high-quality EVOO is an unrefined oil extracted from olives by a mechanical milling process, it offers a safer, healthier alternative to grain and seed oils that are produced using excessive heat or chemicals. If you take a minute to think about all the liquids and beverages you drink each day (i.e., flavoured lattes, sodas packed with high fructose corn syrup, milkshakes that may or may not contain actual milk), it won’t take long to realize that extra virgin olive oil may be one of the safest options available.

7 BENEFITS OF DRINKING OLIVE OIL

1 Cardiovascular Health

Extra virgin olive oil is a rich source of monosaturated fat (aka - healthy fat), and according to a study by the American Heart Associated, it has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

2 Digestive Health

Not only does olive oil lubricate the intestinal tract, but it may also reduce the production of gastric acid. This reduction can help ease the symptoms commonly associated with heartburn of acid reflux. 

3 Stabilized Blood Sugar 

Studies by the American Diabetes Association have indicated that olive oil can be effective at reducing individuals’ glycemic response to high-glycemic foods, a benefit that can help manage Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. 

4 Reduced Inflammation

Extra virgin olive oil contains a compound called oleocanthal, an antioxidant with significant anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen. And since many chronic diseases and health conditions are due to cellular inflammation, this benefit may be olive oil’s best. 

5 Anti-Cancer Effects 

In addition to its anti-inflammatory qualities, oleocanthal has also been shown to counteract cancer cells without damaging healthy cells in the process. Additionally, another of EVOO’s antioxidants, Vitamin E, fights free radicals that damage cells and cause disease. 

6 Healthier Skin & Hair 

Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin K, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Since extra virgin olive oil boasts higher nutrient content than standard olive oil, drinking it each day is an excellent way to replenish damaged skin and hair. 

7 Optimal Nutrient Absorption

Sure, olive oil makes healthy food taste better. But if you drink it each day, it will also help your stomach and digestive system better absorb the vitamins and nutrients that food provides. 
 
Now that we’ve reviewed many of the health benefits that olive oil provides, let’s take a look at some practical tips to help you introduce it to your daily routine. 

HOW MUCH OLIVE OIL SHOULD YOU DRINK?

Some studies report that people who live in the Mediterranean region drink ¼ cup (60ml) of olive oil each day. If you’re drinking extra virgin olive oil for the first time, it’s a good idea to start small and work your way up. Start with just one tablespoon of oil at first. This will be enough to provide the health benefits you’re looking for, but it shouldn’t be enough to upset your digestive system. 

CAN YOU DRINK TOO MUCH OLIVE OIL?

As with anything in life, moderation is the key. Just because extra virgin olive oil is good for you doesn’t mean you should chug a whole bottle at once. In fact, we’d beg you not to do that. For so many reasons. While digestive disruption can be the most immediate effect of consuming too much, the oil’s high caloric density could be a problem over time. On average, extra virgin olive oil contains 120 calories per tablespoon. And while one serving shouldn’t cause problems, overuse can lead to consuming more than your recommended daily calories. So again, all things in moderation ― even a superfood like olive oil. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DRINK OLIVE OIL?

Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably hear differing answers on the best time of day to drink olive oil. Some will preach the benefits of drinking olive oil first thing in the morning. Others swear by the benefits of taking olive oil at night before bed. The morning advocates claim that taking a shot of extra virgin olive oil on an empty stomach jumpstarts digestion and provides optimal absorption into your system. The nighttime crowd suggests that the EVOO’s natural anti-inflammatory properties do their best work while the body is at rest. Whether you drink your olive oil in the morning or late at night is largely a matter of preference. The important thing is choosing the option that works best for you. 

HOW SHOULD YOU DRINK OLIVE OIL?

Since this last point came down to personal preference, it just makes sense that we should address another question that hinges on the same variables: Taste. While fresh extra virgin olive oil is famous for its robust, vibrant flavours, every person’s flavour palette is different. If you like the taste of straight EVOO, then, by all means, enjoy it “neat”. However, if you want a little extra zip (and some extra vitamin C), you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to your olive oil. Either way, you win!
If you’re convinced and ready to boost your health and immunity by drinking extra virgin olive oil every day, we recommend drinking the freshest extra virgin olive oil available and we’re offering an exclusive coupon to help you do just that!
To save 10% on your order of La Panza Extra virgin Olive Oil, use the promo code LAPANZA10 at checkout, Not only will you get to treat yourself to fresh EVOO every day, but you’ll also save money in the process. Feeling better already, aren’t you?