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Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet which is one of the most healthful diets in the world. Extra virgin olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. All of these nutrients have health benefits. While adding it to your diet alone is enough to reap some benefits, there’s something to be said for consuming it on an empty stomach. The health benefits of drinking olive oil in the morning include weight loss, fighting inflammation, improved skin, heart health, and more.1
In the Mediterranean region, olive fruit and olive oil have been consumed for thousands of years. The health benefits of olive oil have been known for a long time, and it’s now being studied in the United States. A recent study published in the journal “BMC Medicine” showed that consuming olive oil can help with weight loss2. The study looked at two groups of people. One group was told to eat a low-fat diet and the other group was told to consume olive oil with their meals. The group that consumed olive oil lost more weight and body fat than the group that ate a low-fat diet.
Olive Oil Nutrition
A tablespoon of extra virgin contains3:
- 120 calories
- 0 grams of sugar
- 14 grams of fat, of which 10 are monounsaturated
- 1 gram of protein
- 1 gram of carbohydrates
- 5 milligrams of vitamin E (33 percent DV)
- Antioxidants
The health benefits of olive oil are widely recognized are typically included in a healthy diet. The oleic acid in olive oil has anti-inflammatory effects4. This means that it can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is a contributing factor to many diseases. While monounsaturated fats like those found in olive oil are not essential fatty acids, they can help improve the function of cells in the body.5
Olive Oil’s Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are important for health. Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are known to be healthy for the heart6. Monounsaturated fatty acids can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. They may also help protect against cardiovascular disease. The consumption of olive oil can also improve other risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure and inflammation.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are also important for health. These fatty acids are found in fish oils and some plant-based oils7. They are beneficial for the skin, heart, and brain. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for heart health. They can help to lower triglycerides and blood pressure.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own. These fatty acids are important for health and must be obtained through diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects, and they can also improve heart health8. They are often found in fish oils, but they can also be found in some plant cooking oils (like coconut oil), including olive oil.
Vitamin E is another important nutrient found in olive oil. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and DNA. They are believed to play a role in the development of cancer and other diseases. Vitamin E may also help to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
When you drink olive oil on an empty stomach, it’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and goes to work immediately. The antioxidants help fight inflammation, while the healthy fats help improve heart health. Olive oil is also known for its weight loss benefits. It helps boost your metabolism and encourages the body to burn stored fat for energy.
Benefits Of Drinking Olive Oil In The Morning
Improves Digestive System
Good fats, like the ones found in olive oil, help improve the digestive system. They coat the intestinal walls and help to keep things moving smoothly. When consumed on a daily basis with warm water olive oil can help the digestive tract and promote bowel movements. Drinking olive oil in the morning is the best time for this benefit as it will help cleanse the system before the day’s food is consumed.
Helps In Weight Loss
As mentioned earlier, olive oil can help with weight loss. It helps to boost the metabolism and encourages the body to burn stored fat for energy. While most people associate fats with weight gain, olive oil is also a good source of healthy fats that can help with weight loss.
Related: 7 Reasons to Put Olive Oil in your Belly Button For Weight Loss
When intermittent fasting, when olive oil is the first thing consumed in the morning the beneficial effects involve triggering the body’s autophagy mechanism. This is a cellular clean-up process that helps rid cells of damaged proteins and toxins, which can speed up weight loss.
Scientific evidence shows that drinking olive oil with lemon juice on an empty stomach can help boost weight loss results. In Mediterranean countries, this mixture is considered liquid gold as it has been shown to create a higher life expectancy, cholesterol levels, and better cognitive function.
Prevents Cancer
Another benefit of drinking olive oil in the morning is that it can help prevent cancer. Olive oil is high in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals. Free radicals are toxins that can damage cells and lead to cancer cells. The antioxidants in olive oil can help to protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of certain cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer.
Improve Heart Health
The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil are widely recognized and include improving heart health. Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which help to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and improve blood circulation.
Improve Blood Pressure
Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for heart disease. Olive oil benefits can help to improve insulin resistance and lower blood pressure. The oleic acid in olive oil helps to reduce the risk of hypertension. Blood vessels relax when they are exposed to oleic acid, which helps to lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, drinking olive oil can help to reduce the risk of these conditions. Blood sugar levels are also lowered, which is another risk factor for heart disease.
Antioxidants
Drinking olive oil in the morning is a great way to get antioxidants into the body. The antioxidants help to fight inflammation, free radicals, and cancer cells. The immune system is also strengthened, which can help to fight off illness. Pain relief is another benefit of antioxidants and they can help to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Antioxidants are important for overall health and drinking olive oil is a great way to get them into the body. The more antioxidants in the diet, the better it is for overall health. If you struggle with getting enough antioxidants, drinking olive oil can help.
Prevents Aging
The antioxidants in the olive oil help to fight free radicals, which can damage cells and cause aging. While oxidative stress is a natural process that happens as we age, it can be accelerated by things like stress and pollution. The antioxidants in the olive oil help to protect cells from this damage, which can help to slow down the aging process. Drinking olive oil in the morning is the best way to get the most antioxidants into your system.
Improves Skin Appearance
The fatty acids in olive oil are beneficial for the skin. They help to moisturize and protect the skin from sun damage. The antioxidants in olive oil can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Drinking olive oil can help to keep your skin looking healthy and young.
Related: These Vitamins C Serums Will Immediately Give Your Skin A Healthy Glow
Improve Cognitive Function
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects the brain. Studies have shown that drinking olive oil can help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidants in the olive oil help to protect the cells in the brain from damage. Oleic acid also helps to improve cognitive function and memory.
Cognitive function starts to decline as we age. A clinical trial showed that drinking olive oil can help to improve cognitive function in older adults. The antioxidants in the oil help to protect the cells in the brain from damage, while oleic acid helps to improve cognitive function and memory. Drinking olive oil can help to keep your brain healthy and functioning well into old age.
How To Drink Olive Oil In The Morning
It’s a good idea to start your day with a glass of warm water and lemon juice. Then, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Drink the mixture on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast. You can also add olive oil to your morning smoothie or yogurt.
If you prefer to consume straight, you can take a shot of olive oil or simply a spoonful of olive oil. It’s important to follow dietary guidelines when consuming olive oil. You should not consume more than 2 tablespoons per day. Too much olive oil can actually have negative health effects like weight gain and high cholesterol.
The Best Olive Oil To Drink
When choosing olive oil to drink in the morning, it’s important to select a high-quality, extra virgin olive oil. The oil should be cold-pressed and unrefined. Look for olive oil that has a fruity, peppery flavor. Avoid oils that are processed or have a bitter taste.
Our favorite olive oil brands
There are a lot of health benefits of drinking olive oil in the morning. An increased fat intake of high quality healthy fats like olive oil can improve blood pressure, insulin resistance, cognitive function, skin appearance, and more.
When you drink olive oil in the morning, you are getting a concentrated dose of antioxidants that can help to improve your health in a variety of ways. It is a simple way to start the day and benefits include improved digestion, weight loss, cancer prevention, heart health, and blood pressure. Olive oil is a healthy addition to any balanced diet and should be part of your daily routine. The human body is able to absorb the nutrients in olive oil better when it is consumed on an empty stomach. So, drink olive oil in the morning for optimal health.