What Do Doctors Say About Olive Oil?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil daily had a 19% lower risk of death from any cause. In light of such evidence, many wonder: what do doctors say about olive oil? Their collective stance is overwhelmingly positive, citing numerous science-backed health benefits.

Quick Summary

Doctors widely recommend extra virgin olive oil for its monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that support cardiovascular health. They advise replacing less healthy fats with EVOO, noting it is a cornerstone of the beneficial Mediterranean diet. Quality and minimal processing are key to maximizing its health benefits.

Key Points

Extra Virgin is Key: Doctors emphasize extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) over refined versions, as its cold-pressing process retains more beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols.
Supports Heart Health: Medical professionals confirm EVOO improves cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and reduces inflammation, all critical for cardiovascular health.
Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory: The potent polyphenol oleocanthal in EVOO has anti-inflammatory properties, offering potential relief for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Best for Fresh Use: To maximize its health benefits and delicate flavor, doctors suggest using EVOO in dressings or as a finishing drizzle, though it's also suitable for moderate-heat cooking.
Daily Intake Offers Benefits: Research shows that replacing unhealthy fats with just a small daily amount of olive oil (as little as half a tablespoon) can significantly reduce heart disease risk.
Foundation of a Healthy Diet: Doctors regard olive oil as a central component of the Mediterranean diet, a proven eating pattern for preventing chronic disease and promoting overall wellness.

Unpacking the Medical Consensus on Olive Oil

For years, the medical and scientific communities have studied the effects of olive oil on human health, with a particular focus on extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The overwhelming consensus is that high-quality olive oil offers significant benefits, mainly attributed to its rich composition of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Doctors often praise its role in promoting heart health and combating chronic disease.

Why Extra Virgin is the Doctors' Choice

The distinction between different types of olive oil is crucial for understanding its health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil is mechanically cold-pressed, which preserves more of its natural nutrients and potent polyphenols—the powerful antioxidants responsible for many of its therapeutic effects. Refined versions, in contrast, undergo chemical processing that strips away these valuable compounds. For doctors, EVOO is the clear winner for its superior nutritional profile.

Heart Health: The Foremost Benefit

When asked what doctors say about olive oil, the most common answer revolves around cardiovascular health. Research consistently links higher olive oil consumption to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. This is due to several key actions:

Improving cholesterol levels: MUFAs in olive oil help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol while maintaining or raising "good" HDL cholesterol.
Reducing inflammation: The anti-inflammatory polyphenol oleocanthal acts similarly to ibuprofen, fighting chronic, low-level inflammation that contributes to heart disease.
Enhancing blood vessel function: Polyphenols improve the function of the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels, which helps regulate blood pressure and clotting.
Preventing oxidative stress: The antioxidants protect LDL cholesterol particles from oxidative damage, a critical step in the development of atherosclerosis.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects Beyond the Heart

The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil are not limited to cardiovascular benefits. Chronic inflammation is a driver of many diseases, and the polyphenols in EVOO help counteract it throughout the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Some studies show that olive oil can help reduce inflammatory markers and disease severity in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
General Health: Doctors recognize that a reduction in overall inflammation can lead to benefits across numerous bodily systems, from joint health to brain function.

Olive Oil vs. Other Common Cooking Fats

To understand why doctors praise olive oil, it is helpful to compare it to other fats. The key is in its composition and processing.


Feature	Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Vegetable Oil (e.g., Canola, Sunflower)	Butter (Animal Fat)
Processing	Mechanically cold-pressed, minimal processing.	Highly refined using heat and chemicals.	Processed dairy product.
Fat Profile	Predominantly monounsaturated fats (MUFAs).	Primarily polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs); some are high in omega-6.	High in saturated fat.
Antioxidants	Rich in powerful polyphenols and Vitamin E.	Few to none; most are destroyed during refining.	Very low in antioxidants.
Anti-Inflammatory	Strong anti-inflammatory properties from polyphenols.	Can contribute to inflammation if high in omega-6s.	Can increase inflammation due to saturated fats.
Heart Health	Strongly linked to reduced heart disease risk.	Beneficial when replacing saturated fats, but less antioxidant support.	Linked to increased LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Use Case	Dressings, finishing oil, sautéing, moderate-heat cooking.	General cooking, baking, high-heat frying.	Sautéing, baking, spreads.

Cognitive and Other Potential Benefits

Beyond heart health, doctors are exploring olive oil’s role in cognitive function and other areas. The buildup of beta-amyloid plaques is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease, and animal studies suggest that EVOO may help prevent this accumulation. The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, is also linked to a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Furthermore, some research points to olive oil’s antibacterial properties, particularly against H. pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. However, more human research is needed in these areas.

How to Incorporate Olive Oil into Your Diet

To get the most out of olive oil, doctors advise focusing on both quality and usage.

Prioritize Extra Virgin: Choose extra virgin varieties for maximum nutrient content. Look for dark bottles and recent harvest dates, as polyphenols degrade over time.
Replace Unhealthy Fats: Use olive oil in place of butter, margarine, or other vegetable oils high in saturated fats. This substitution is where much of the health benefit comes from.
Use It Fresh: Drizzle EVOO over salads, steamed vegetables, or soups to preserve its delicate flavor and polyphenol content, which can be diminished by prolonged, high-heat cooking.
Moderate Cooking: While EVOO is relatively stable, use it for moderate-heat cooking like sautéing rather than high-temperature frying.
Aim for a Daily Dose: Studies suggest that consuming as little as half a tablespoon per day can provide notable cardiovascular benefits. For a 2,000-calorie diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend up to 27 grams (about 2 tablespoons) of added oils, emphasizing healthier options like olive oil.

For more detailed guidance on healthy cooking oils and their uses, the Cleveland Clinic offers comprehensive resources.

Conclusion: A Doctor-Endorsed Dietary Staple

In conclusion, the medical community's opinion on olive oil is overwhelmingly positive, particularly for high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It is recommended as a cornerstone of a healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet, primarily for its robust cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While it is a high-calorie food and should be consumed in moderation, its role as a replacement for less healthy fats is crucial. As research continues to uncover new benefits, from cognitive health to fighting inflammation, olive oil solidifies its status as a doctor-endorsed superfood and a wise dietary choice for long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors almost universally recommend extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It is the least processed variety, meaning it retains the highest levels of beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols. Refined olive oil loses many of these compounds during processing.

Yes, extensive medical research confirms olive oil is excellent for heart health. It is rich in monounsaturated fats that lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and contains antioxidants that protect against arterial damage, both of which reduce the risk of heart disease.

Yes, extra virgin olive oil contains a powerful antioxidant called oleocanthal, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. Reducing chronic inflammation is one of the key ways olive oil contributes to overall health.

While there is no rigid recommendation, studies suggest that consuming around 1.5 to 2 tablespoons (23-27 grams) per day offers significant health benefits, especially when used to replace less healthy fats. Even smaller amounts, like half a tablespoon, can be beneficial.

Yes, olive oil is safe for cooking at moderate temperatures, such as sautéing. EVOO's monounsaturated fats make it relatively stable under moderate heat. However, its smoke point is lower than refined oils, so it's not ideal for high-heat frying.

Like all fats, olive oil is calorie-dense, but when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean diet), it is not associated with weight gain. In fact, some studies show diets rich in olive oil can even promote weight loss compared to low-fat diets.

From a medical standpoint, extra virgin olive oil is often considered superior due to its higher antioxidant content and less refined nature. While other vegetable oils can be healthier than saturated fats, EVOO's unique anti-inflammatory compounds give it an edge for health benefits.