Is Olive Oil Bad For You?
Short answer
Olive oil is quite beneficial to your health. People who already have low blood pressure may want to avoid it (olive oil may lower blood pressure) - but other than this possible drawback, olive oil is good to have around.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
For the purpose of this article, we will be talking solely about extra virgin olive oil, not other versions which may be mixed with other cheaper oils, such as canola oil. When mixed, the benefits that come from extra virgin olive oil may be mitigated or negated altogether.
It may come as a surprise that something which is 75% fat can be not just good, but great for your health. However, not all fats are the same. The fat in olive oil is monounsaturated fat in the form of oleic acid. Among the many benefits of oleic acid is that it can lower blood pressure by being absorbed by cell membranes and from there changing the membranes' signaling patterns. Another benefit of olive oil is that studies indicate it may be an effective way to prevent various forms of cancer. Phytonutrients in oleocanthal have been shown to reduce inflammation and thereby decrease the risk of developing breast cancer or having it recur. Furthermore, olive oil contains several antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols which prevent oxygen molecules from wreaking havoc inside the body and thereby increasing the risk for cancer.
Other benefits of olive oil include preventing and relieving rheumatoid arthritis, helping in weight loss, strengthening bones through improved mineralization and calcification, and helping to prevent type 2 diabetes. One further benefit that is important to not leave off the list is that olive oil (extra virgin olive oil, remember) helps to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while at the same time maintaining (or perhaps even raising) HDL cholesterol levels.
The above benefits scratch the surface with research continuing to turn up more evidence as to why olive oil is good for your health. It should be kept in mind, though, that olive oil does contain nearly 120 calories per tablespoon. However, unless you are drenching your food in oil or drinking it straight from the bottle (highly doubtful) this should not be a cause for concern. Also, due to its blood pressure lowering quality, people who have low blood pressure may want to avoid olive oil or consult a doctor about it beforehand.
Possible short-term side effects
- lower blood pressure (important for those with already low levels)
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
- roughly 120 calories per tablespoon
Benefits
- helps to lower blood pressure
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helps fight against oxidative stress
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helps prevent various forms of cancer
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helps maintain strong bones
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helps prevent type 2 diabetes
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promotes weight loss
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helps decrease ldl cholesterol and triglycerides
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Bragg Organic EVOO
- Rich in antioxidants
- Cold-pressed quality
- USDA Organic Certified
- Non-GMO project verified
- Kosher
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 03-16-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 03-16-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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