Olive oil is a key part of the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest ways to eat worldwide. Extra virgin olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, all of which offer health benefits. While just adding olive oil to your meals is beneficial, having it on an empty stomach can be even more advantageous. Drinking olive oil in the morning may aid weight loss, combat inflammation, enhance skin and heart health, and much more.
In Mediterranean countries, people have enjoyed olives and olive oil for centuries, and its health benefits have been recognized for a long time. Recently, this was studied in the U.S. A study published in “BMC Medicine” found that participants who included olive oil in their meals lost more weight and body fat compared to those on a low-fat diet.
Olive oil is celebrated in healthy diets because of its nutritional profile. The oleic acid, a key component of olive oil, has anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce inflammation linked to many diseases. Although not essential, monounsaturated fats in olive oil can enhance cell function.
The monounsaturated fats found in olive oil are heart-friendly. They can lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, potentially shielding against heart disease. Olive oil may also help manage other heart disease risk factors, like blood pressure and inflammation.
Polyunsaturated fats, essential for health, are found in fish and some plant oils. Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, are crucial for heart health, capable of reducing triglycerides and blood pressure. While our bodies can’t make Omega-3 fatty acids, we can get them from our diet, and they are present in seafood and certain plant oils, including olive oil.
Vitamin E, another nutrient in olive oil, acts as a powerful antioxidant, defending the body against free radicals, which can harm cells and DNA and are linked to diseases such as cancer. This vitamin also protects the skin from sun damage.
Drinking olive oil first thing in the morning ensures quick absorption into your bloodstream, swiftly delivering benefits. The antioxidants combat inflammation while its healthy fats support heart health and encourage your metabolism to burn stored fat, aiding weight loss.
The good fats in olive oil boost digestive health by smoothing the intestinal lining and encouraging healthy bowel movements. Consuming olive oil with warm water every morning can cleanse the digestive system before you eat.
Intermittent fasting enthusiasts might notice that starting the day with olive oil triggers autophagy, a cellular cleaning process that helps eliminate damaged proteins, potentially aiding in weight loss.
Some studies suggest that mixing olive oil with lemon juice and drinking it on an empty stomach can enhance weight loss and promote longevity, improve cholesterol levels, and support cognitive function.
Olive oil may also have cancer-preventive properties due to its high antioxidant content, which fights free radicals that can lead to cell damage and cancer. These antioxidants can minimize the risk of cancers like colon, breast, and skin cancer.
Regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil is well-known for enhancing heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. Its anti-inflammatory effects help lower heart disease risks and improve blood circulation.
Olive oil improves insulin resistance and can lower blood pressure, which is crucial since high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. When paired with a healthy lifestyle, olive oil can further reduce these risks by lowering blood sugar.
Starting your day with olive oil maximizes antioxidant intake, which protects against inflammation, free radicals, and cancer cells while strengthening your immune system and relieving pain.
Antioxidants from olive oil aid in slowing age-related cell damage, often accelerated by stress and pollution. They protect cells from oxidative stress, which can fast-forward aging. Having olive oil in the morning maximizes antioxidant intake.
The fatty acids in olive oil benefit the skin, keeping it moisturized and safe from the sun’s harsh effects. The antioxidants help reduce wrinkles and age spots, promoting youthful and healthy skin.
Olive oil may also support brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s due to its antioxidants protecting brain cells. It can improve memory and cognitive function as we age.
One easy way to start your day is by drinking warm water with lemon juice and mixing in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil before breakfast. This can also be added to smoothies or yogurt.
It’s important to stick to no more than two tablespoons a day to avoid potential negative effects like weight gain or high cholesterol. Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil that is cold-pressed, unrefined, and has a fruity, peppery flavor.
Drinking olive oil in the morning is a simple habit with numerous health benefits, ranging from better blood pressure and insulin sensitivity to healthier skin and improved cognitive function. Regular consumption provides a concentrated dose of antioxidants that improve digestive health, aid weight loss, prevent cancer, and enhance heart health. Try incorporating olive oil into your daily routine for optimal wellbeing, as your body absorbs its nutrients better on an empty stomach.
