The question of whether you can drink Olivio olive oil stems from the popular trend of consuming a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for potential health benefits. However, Olivio is fundamentally different from pure EVOO, and its formulation means it is not suitable or recommended for drinking.
What Is Olivio Olive Oil?
Olivio is a brand offering oil blends and buttery spreads, not pure olive oil. It uses a mix of vegetable oils for cooking, baking, sautéing, and spreading. Ingredients often include canola, palm fruit, and olive oil, water, salt, flavors, soy lecithin, and preservatives. This blend is made for general cooking and as a butter substitute, lacking the unique composition of fresh-pressed olive oil rich in health-promoting compounds.
Why Drinking Olivio Is Not Recommended
Drinking Olivio straight will not offer the same potential wellness boost as high-quality EVOO and could be detrimental.
Lack of Potent Antioxidants
High-quality EVOO is rich in beneficial antioxidants called polyphenols. Olivio, a refined blend, has significantly lower levels due to processing, which strips away these compounds. Drinking Olivio doesn't provide the same antioxidant benefits as pure EVOO.
Presence of Other Fats and Additives
Drinking a blend with palm oil, flavorings, and emulsifiers differs from consuming pure olive juice. Benefits of drinking olive oil are linked to unrefined EVOO and its monounsaturated fats. Consuming artificial ingredients from a blend is not a recommended wellness practice.
Potential for Stomach Discomfort
Large quantities of any oil can cause gastrointestinal issues. This risk might be higher with a multi-ingredient blend like Olivio, which isn't made for raw, concentrated digestion.
Misplaced Health Focus
Drinking Olivio as a health tonic distracts from using quality olive oil in a balanced diet. The healthiest consumption method is incorporating it into meals. Drinking Olivio offers no proven advantages over adding it to food.
Comparison: Olivio Blend vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
| Feature | Olivio Oil Blend | Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Vegetable oil blend (canola, palm, olive oil), water, and additives | 100% cold-pressed oil from olives; contains no additives |
| Health Compounds | Low in antioxidants and polyphenols due to refining | Rich in powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Best Use | Spreading, baking, sautéing, cooking | Raw (dressings, dipping) and low-to-moderate temperature cooking |
| Recommended for Drinking? | No, not designed for direct consumption due to additives | Possibly, but the benefits over food consumption are not scientifically proven |
| Flavor Profile | Often mild or buttery due to blending and additives | Complex, robust, and fruity flavor, can be peppery |
The Healthy Way to Consume Olive Oil
To gain health benefits from olive oil, integrate high-quality extra virgin olive oil into a Mediterranean-style diet. Healthy fats in EVOO are best used with other foods, which helps nutrient release and antioxidant absorption.
Healthy ways to use high-quality EVOO:
- Salad Dressings: Mix with vinegar and herbs.
- Dipping: Serve with whole-grain bread.
- Finishing Dishes: Drizzle over cooked foods.
- Marinades: Use for meats and vegetables.
Conclusion
Olivio products are safe for cooking and baking but not a substitute for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drinking. Due to additives and other refined oils, drinking Olivio straight is not recommended and lacks the health benefits of pure EVOO. For those seeking benefits, choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil and use it in a balanced diet. Read more on the general health benefits of olive oil from Healthline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olivio olive oil made of?
Olivio is made from a blend of vegetable oils, which includes canola, palm fruit, and olive oil, along with other ingredients like water, flavorings, and emulsifiers.
Why can't I drink Olivio like regular olive oil?
Olivio is a refined blend with additives, unlike pure extra virgin olive oil. Drinking it does not offer the same health benefits and its formulation is not intended for direct consumption in concentrated doses.
Is it safe to cook with Olivio oil?
Yes, Olivio is specifically formulated for cooking, baking, and spreading, making it perfectly safe for its intended culinary uses.
Do you get any health benefits from drinking Olivio?
No, because Olivio is a blended, refined oil, it lacks the high concentration of beneficial polyphenols and other compounds found in extra virgin olive oil, which are responsible for its health benefits.
Is Olivio a healthy cooking oil?
Olivio is often positioned as a healthier alternative to butter due to its inclusion of olive oil and unsaturated fats, but its overall health profile is not comparable to using pure, unrefined extra virgin olive oil.
What happens if I drink a tablespoon of Olivio?
Drinking a tablespoon of Olivio is unlikely to cause serious harm, as it is edible. However, you will not receive the health benefits associated with drinking high-quality EVOO and may experience an upset stomach due to its mixed composition.
What type of olive oil should I drink for health benefits?
If you choose to drink olive oil, high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the only type recommended. However, most experts agree that consuming EVOO with food offers the same or greater benefits.
