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Fat

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is the top grade of olive oil, extracted from olives by mechanical means only, without chemical refining. It is mostly monounsaturated fat.

LongevityCardiovascularEssential HealthOrgan FunctionHair & Skin

What did the large Mediterranean-diet trial show?

PREDIMED enrolled 7,447 Spanish adults at high cardiovascular risk. Over a median 4.8 years, major cardiovascular events occurred in 3.8% of the Mediterranean-diet-plus-olive-oil group and 4.4% of controls advised to reduce fat. The 2018 report reanalyzed the data after randomization irregularities were found. 1

Essential HealthSupported

The trial supports the Mediterranean dietary pattern supplemented with olive oil in this high-risk population. It does not isolate the benefit of adding oil to an otherwise unchanged diet. 1

Are high-polyphenol oils better?

A review of 26 studies compared oils with higher and lower polyphenol content. Higher-polyphenol oils improved some cholesterol and oxidation measures, but the authors called for longer studies and more research outside Mediterranean populations. 2

Cholesterol balanceMixed

Some blood-lipid measures improved, but this comparison does not establish that a high-polyphenol bottle prevents more cardiovascular events. 2

Oxidative stressMixed

Oxidized LDL and another oxidation marker improved in pooled analyses. These are laboratory outcomes, not direct measures of how someone feels or how long they live. 2

What does the liver research suggest?

In the NUTRIHEP observational cohort, higher extra virgin olive oil intake was associated with lower odds of fatty liver in women, but not significantly in men. Because participants were not randomly assigned to oil intake, other differences in diet or health may contribute. The finding supports further research, rather than a claim that olive oil treats liver disease. 3

Liver healthMixed

A sex-specific observational association is promising, but does not establish a treatment effect. 3

Open questions

This profile leaves the questions of skin hydration and skin aging open; those uses have not been assessed here.

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Hair & Skin2 effects

Anti-aging SkinHair & SkinModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Skin HydrationHair & SkinSmallBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Other effects1 effect

InflammationModerateA3 studies
Olive Polyphenols: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties2021The Protective Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Immune-mediated Inflammatory Responses.2017Postprandial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of extra virgin olive oil.2007

Rated by SuppCo · high confidenceEvidence record

All studies

14 publications are linked to Extra Virgin Olive Oil, newest first.

Exploring the Cardiovascular Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Insights into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential2025Beneficial Effects of Tyrosol and Oleocanthal from Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Liver Health: Insights into Their Mechanisms of Action2024Extra Virgin Olive Oil Reduces the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Females but Not in Males: Results from the NUTRIHEP Cohort2024Protective effects of oleic acid and polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil on cardiovascular diseases2023Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Critical Ingredient Driving the Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet? A Narrative Review2023Therapeutic Properties and Use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Clinical Nutrition: A Narrative Review and Literature Update2022Olive Polyphenols: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties2021Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenols: Modulation of Cellular Pathways Related to Oxidant Species and Inflammation in Aging2020A Mediterranean Diet Rich in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Is Associated with a Reduced Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Older Individuals at High Cardiovascular Risk.2019The effect of high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis2018Extra virgin olive oil: More than a healthy fat2018The Protective Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Immune-mediated Inflammatory Responses.2017Extra virgin olive oil blunt post-prandial oxidative stress via NOX2 down-regulation.2014Postprandial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of extra virgin olive oil.2007

Sources