Drizzle Your Health Goals with Olive Oil

First, we had the pre-Y2K low-fat diet craze. Then, high-protein, high-fat meal plans started trending. And as we swung from fad to fad, we didn’t take much time to consider how different sources of fat impact us in different ways. Healthy fats are an important part of a balanced, nourishing diet. And can you guess our favorite source? Yup! California-grown, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil.

High-quality olive oil is delicious, versatile, and can have a range of flavor profiles, but there is even more to love about it! A daily dose of extra virgin olive oil, or “EVOO”,  packs several health benefits that will make you want to start drizzling it on everything. For starters, quality EVOO is packed with antioxidants. In simple terms, these compounds help neutralize molecules in the body that speed up aging and lead to various diseases. EVOO’s antioxidants go to work to protect your heart, prevent DNA damage, and reduce your risk of chronic disease. 

Additionally, a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid accounts for about 70% of EVOO’s fatty acid content. This absolute superstar is known to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as inflammation. When we heal chronic inflammation, we can reduce our risk of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. There’s a reason cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses are less common in Mediterranean countries. There is, of course, a focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein, but it’s also the fact that olive oil is their primary source of fat. 

Earlier, we touched on how various fat sources in the diet impact our health in different ways. Let’s get more specific. A good rule of thumb is that healthier fats tend to be liquid at room temperature. Solid, or saturated fats like cheese, butter, coconut oil, or fatty meats are linked to more health issues when consumed in large amounts. Too much saturated fat can cause cholesterol to spike and plaque to build in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Now, we’re not suggesting you cut anything out completely - balance is key! But the more you can replace saturated fat sources with things like olive oil, nuts, and avocado, the better off you’ll be. 

Some bonus benefits? EVOO has antibacterial properties that have been shown to fight bad bacteria in the gut that cause stomach ulcers and cancer. It has also been linked with longevity—an 8-34% lower risk of death, to be exact! Also, EVOO is as fresh as you can get when it comes to oil, and it is not heat-treated or mixed with added chemicals. For more on how EVOO compares to other oils, check out our blog post here.

Beyond sautéing and salad drizzling, some great ways to incorporate more EVOO into your diet include mixing it into a fruit salsa, whisking it with your favorite spices as a dip for crusty sourdough, or baking it into a cake like this one! It’s also fantastic spooned over a fresh veggie soup, yogurt, or grilled fish. And if you’re feeling cheeky, pop a couple of drops over a savory cocktail!

The truth is, no other oil provides the kind of benefits extra virgin olive oil does. 1/2 a teaspoon daily is enough to make a difference, but 1-4 tablespoons (depending on your personal needs) will make your body extra happy. Ready to try? Find our selection of olive oils here. At Evie, we’re committed to delivering the best of the best when it comes to quality, sustainability, flavor, and all the health benefits EVOO has to offer.