What Are the Benefits of Drinking Olive Oil?

Olive oil is a monosaturated, heart healthy fat. It is loaded with antioxidants that help protect the heart and blood cells from damage. Olive oil is a major ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its cardiovascular benefits. Drinking olive oil every day is not only good for the heart, but may also aid in weight loss and pain relief. However, because it's high in calories, you should drink oil in moderation and, as with any other supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking it.

Weight Loss

An olive oil-enriched diet may facilitate weight loss. A study by Mary M. Flynn and Steven E. Reinert published in the June 2010 issue of “Journal of Women’s Health” studied two groups of women on diets. One group was on a low-fat diet and the other group was on an olive oil-enriched diet. In the olive oil group, 80 percent of participants had a weight loss of at least 5 percent. In the low-fat diet group, only 31 percent of participants had a weight loss of 5 percent. The researchers concluded that a supplement of olive oil to a regularly balanced diet brought about a greater weight loss than the low-fat diet.

Since food preparations vary and olive oil is not always needed, drinking olive oil is one way to ensure that you get your daily olive oil enrichment. Drinking at least 1 tablespoon of olive oil lets you measure exactly how much you consume each day.

Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Drinking 2 tablespoons of olive oil every day may reduce your risk of heart disease, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Olive oil contains monosaturated fat, which is a heart healthy type of fat. Use olive oil in place of saturated and trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. A 2008 study conducted by M.I. Covas and published in the October issue of “Inflammopharmacology” notes that olive oil is effective against oxidative stress, which is linked to several diseases including cardiovascular disease.

Pain Relief

Oleocanthal, a compound in extra virgin olive oil, suppresses pain pathways much like the pain reliever Ibuprofen, according to a report in the September 2005 issue of the "British Journal of Medicine." Fifty grams of olive oil is equivalent to 10 percent of the recommended daily dose of Ibuprofen, notes the journal.

Considerations

Drinking olive oil might pose a health risk to some individuals. It's high in vitamin E, and drinking large amounts of olive oil might cause an accidental vitamin E overdose, which in turn impairs your ability to form blood clots. Olive oil also contains 120 calories per tablespoon, so the calories add up quickly when you're drinking it.

If you're finding it difficult to drink olive oil, try adding a tablespoon to a homemade fruit smoothie. Alternatively, drizzling soups and salads with olive oil boosts your intake without the need for drinking it directly.