Olive Oil Craze: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
If you spend any time on social media, you’ve probably seen the latest health craze touted by a variety of influencers: drinking a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
Some swear by the practice and believe it has helped them to lose weight, improve their skin, boost digestive and gut health, reduce bloating, cool inflammation, enhance clarity, and more. Sound too good to be true? Let’s explore what the science has to say and separate fact from fiction.
Age-Old Food Staple & Modern Trend
Everywhere you look today, it seems as though there is some mention of the astounding health benefits of olive oil – even Starbucks has joined in with a new latte line. Long-associated with the Mediterranean diet, the merits of olive oil shouldn’t come as a surprise.
The research is impressive. Studies have found olive oil can reduce your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and early death — with one caveat: it needs to be extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). Why? Because EVOO hasn’t been heated as other olive oil grades tend to be, thereby preserving the health-enhancing polyphenol antioxidants and beneficial oleic fatty acids.
In fact, the polyphenols and fatty acids found in EVOO have been associated with “successful aging” by reducing the risk of age-related degenerative diseases, leading researchers to conclude:
“Literature data, although not exhaustive, indicate as a whole that EVOO polyphenols may significantly help to modulate the aging process, so tightly connected to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.”
EVOO also protects against liver dysfunction, gut inflammation, and oxidative damage to colon cells, which is an important consideration for those contending with liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). What’s more, studies have shown the oil may be beneficial for maintaining muscle mass, strength, and function in aging populations.
Additionally, research published in the journal Nutritional Review established that EVOO supported a healthy gut microbiota and “functioning of the mucosal immune system [which] may lead to favorable outcomes in cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive health.”
Moreover, a recent study in 2022 discovered people who consumed half a tablespoon or more of olive oil per day lowered their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by approximately 19 percent.
Does this mean we should all toss back shots of this liquid gold in the morning? Not so fast. It’s important to keep in mind that EVOO is fairly high in calories. If consumed in excess, it could cause weight gain, digestive distress, and other health issues. Moderation is key.
Lastly, combining a healthy fat source (such as EVOO) with nutritious, antioxidant-rich foods helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Instead of taking the oil in isolation — as you see with the latest trend — it’s best to use it as you normally would as part of a whole food, healthy diet with no more than three to four tablespoons total per day.
Supportive Herbal Medicines
Truth be told, many of us today need an extra level of support in maintaining health since we are exposed to far more environmental toxins in our water, food supply, and air than previous generations. Add to this a high-stress lifestyle that, frankly, is difficult to avoid in our modern era, and it is no wonder many of us suffer from poor health and low energy. This is where natural remedies can help. Here are several core formulations from my apothecary that address inflammation, digestive and cardiovascular issues, brain fog, fatigue, and much more.
Balanced Gut Blend: This powerful formulation contains anti-inflammatory and soothing herbs that help to repair the intestinal tract and restore healthy gut function. These include reishi, turkey tail, and lion’s mane medicinal mushrooms to calm inflammation, support a healthy microbiome, and control the overgrowth of candida. Plantain, slippery elm, and marshmallow root are also included to soothe the mucous membranes, protect the intestinal tract, and help the gut to regenerate.
“This morning as I took my daily drops [Balanced Gut Blend] from your apothecary I became acutely aware of how grateful I am to have these products. They have helped me feel so much better and have improved my physical functioning. Thank You Nicole.” – Holly H.
Mushroom Trio: Formulated with three potent adaptogenic botanicals, this bundle contains dual-extracted, fruiting body tinctures of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail. Each mushroom has unique, research-backed benefits that include: lowering inflammation, modulating the immune system, fighting viral and bacterial infections, improving cognitive function, stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), inhibiting cancer, easing the stress response, boosting energy, lessening brain fog, and managing blood sugar.
“I was diagnosed with MS in 2000 and have struggled with relapse and brain fog for years. I have been to MANY neurologists and taken MANY different treatments that I have had reactions to. The drugs either didn’t work or gave me a nearly fatal allergic reaction. I have tried to control symptoms through diet and exercise but it simply wasn’t cutting it. Then to top it all off I got [severe acute respiratory syndrome]. I was sick for three weeks, nothing seemed to help the symptoms and pain and brain fog set in and never left.
Then a friend told me about Nicole. I purchased the mushroom trio and was shocked at the transformation! This is exactly what my body needed! My energy returned, my pain levels are down, my brain fog is beginning to lift and I am so very hopeful for a bright future and a full return to the REAL me that I thought was lost. Thanks Nicole for sharing with us so we can be better too! ” – Dauna
Heart, Blood Pressure, & Blood Sugar Bundle + Heart Health Blend: To encourage cardiovascular, metabolic, and brain health, we have formulated our convenient Heart Health Bundle to help regulate blood glucose levels, improve brain function, lower LDL cholesterol, and fortify heart health. It contains dual-extracted, spagyric tinctures of Cordyceps, Reishi, and Turkey Tail mushrooms for blood sugar regulation, improved circulation, decreased inflammation, and increased cognitive health.
Hawthorn, Fenugreek, Tulsi, and Bilberry are included in our potent Heart Health Blend tincture for blood sugar support, circulatory system health, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, and much more.
This bundle also includes our potent Lemon Balm tincture for blood sugar control, anxiety relief, and lowering blood pressure.
If your health or energy is less than ideal, visit the apothecary today to learn more about how our medicinal herbal extracts can help!
Olive oil should never be bought in a see-through glass bottle but only in very dark green or brown bottles and, preferably, in tins, as light causes the oil to degenerate very quickly and destroys its health-giving properties. It should also be organic and preferably virgin, cold pressed.