New evidence suggests that taking olive oil on an empty stomach has certain health benefits, including lowering gastric acidity and helping nutrient absorption.
According to a report in El Confidential, new evidence suggests that taking olive oil on an empty stomach provides additional benefits to taking it with food.
Consuming olive oil on an empty stomach reduces gastric acidity by forming a protective film, according to José Ramón Llorente, the president of the Spanish Society of Orthomolecular Nutrition and the National Association of Professionals and Freelancers of Natural Therapies. This helps with the absorption of vitamins and other nutrients and assists the work of several important organs.
“In popular culture, we have all heard about the benefits of olive oil, consumed especially on an empty stomach. Today we can accompany this option with the results of studies that corroborate it,” Ramón Llorente told El Confidential.
See Also:Health News“For the digestive system and the liver, its consumption on an empty stomach reduces gastric acidity because it forms a film on the gastric wall,” he added. “[It also] improves the absorption of nutrients – especially calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins – and optimizes the work of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.”
When consuming extra virgin olive oil on an empty stomach, it must be high quality, meaning it will be richer in polyphenols and other nutrients.
Pharmacist and nutritionist Julieta de la Morena agreed that it is beneficial taking olive oil on an empty stomach but added that consuming olive oil with other foods and cooked still provides plenty of health benefits.
De la Morena said that the most important thing is to incorporate olive oil consumption into a daily routine.
The Mediterranean diet recommends adults consume at least four tablespoons per day. However, de la Morena said this should be limited to two tablespoons a day for people trying to lose weight.
While Americans use far less olive oil per capita than people living in Mediterranean countries, consuming only a small amount of olive oil is still beneficial.
In a study conducted over 24 years, researchers found that people who consumed at least a half-tablespoon of olive oil every day in place of less healthy fats reduced their risk of heart disease by 14 percent.
More articles on: olive oil health
Apr. 9, 2024
The Role of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids in Olive Oil's Health Benefits
Oleic acid, classified as a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), has been extensively studied by scientists over the last decades, consistently demonstrating many positive effects on human health.
Jan. 15, 2024
Chickens Fed Olive Oil Are More Resilient to Environmental Stressors, Study Finds
Separate research has also found that olive oil consumption improves the health of chicken meat and eggs for human consumption.
Nov. 14, 2023
Mediterranean Diet Linked to Improved Outcomes in Liver Disease Patients
Following the Mediterranean diet for one year improved the symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese patients over the age of 60.
May. 16, 2024
Daily Olive Oil Consumption Linked to Lower Dementia Death Risk, Study Finds
Harvard researchers found that daily consumption of at least seven grams of olive oil was associated with a 28 percent lower risk of dementia-related death.
Jan. 8, 2024
Mediterranean Diet Tops List for Seventh Year
The U.S. News & World Report cited the diet's variety, flexibility and health benefits.
Feb. 1, 2024
Olive Oil Metabolites Linked with Improved Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes
The research demonstrated a link between virgin olive oil metabolite profiles and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but not diabetes.
Jul. 10, 2024
Understanding the Positive Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Research links extra virgin olive oil consumption with better heart health.
Jan. 2, 2024
Study Reveals How Polyphenols Lower Insulin Resistance
Mice fed a high-fat diet comprised of polyphenol-enriched extra virgin olive oil demonstrated gene expressions associated with reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.