Additionally, it contains vitamin E, a powerful natural antioxidant that protects cells from damage, supports the skin, immune system, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. A tablespoon (about 15 ml) of olive oil contains as much as 1.9 mg of vitamin E, which is almost 13% of the daily recommended amount.
Not to forget about phenols, plant-based substances that act as natural "fire extinguishers" in the body – soothing inflammations and protecting the heart. Among them, the most well-known is oleocanthal, which has effects similar to ibuprofen but without side effects. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition (2011) showed that just 50 g of extra virgin olive oil contains an amount of oleocanthal comparable to 10% of an ibuprofen dose.
What Happens If We Drink Olive Oil on an Empty Stomach?
Here is where it gets interesting. On an empty stomach, our body absorbs nutrients more directly since there is no food in the stomach inhibiting absorption. This allows the olive oil to quickly come into contact with the intestines, where most of its components are absorbed.
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- ` Improved Digestion and Prevention of Constipation
Did you know that digestion slows down after the age of 40? According to Mayo Clinic, nearly 30% of older people struggle with constipation. This is where olive oil comes into play – as a natural lubricant for the intestines. A spoon of olive oil in the morning can soften the stool, accelerate bowel movements, and make bowel movements easier. In Greek traditional medicine, it is also used as a natural liver cleanser.
` - ` Your Heart Will Thank You
We only have one heart – and if we don't take care of it, it will quickly show. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death – responsible for 32% of all deaths worldwide.
Olive oil, however, acts as a protective barrier. In one of the largest European nutrition studies (EPIC), which included over 500,000 people from 10 countries, it was found that people who regularly consume olive oil reduce the risk of heart disease by more than 20%. This is particularly true for cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil – the type that is drizzled over salad or, as we are discussing here, drunk in the morning.
` - ` Cholesterol Under Control
Bad cholesterol (LDL) tends to accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. However, olive oil contains oleic acid, which lowers LDL levels and helps increase HDL – the so-called vessel cleaner. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, one tablespoon of olive oil a day could lower total cholesterol in just three weeks.
` - ` Natural Protection Against Cancer?
It may sound overly optimistic, but numerous studies show that regular consumption of olive oil can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer – especially breast and colon cancer. A study from 2015 (JAMA Internal Medicine) showed that women who followed a Mediterranean diet with added olive oil had a 62% lower likelihood of developing breast cancer.
The phenols in olive oil are believed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent DNA damage, which has been confirmed in tests on animals and in laboratories. `
Here, the rule is: less is more – but regular. One teaspoon to a tablespoon on an empty stomach is sufficient. If you overdo it, there may be a mild laxative effect, which can be desirable at times but not always – especially if you have a sensitive intestine.
Of course, you also need to pay attention to quality. The best is extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed, preferably organically grown. This oil is not refined, so it retains all its natural substances.
What About Side Effects?
Moderate consumption of olive oil has no known harmful effects. However, it is not a miraculous cure and cannot replace a balanced diet. If you have gallbladder issues, it is advisable to consult a doctor before regular consumption. The oil promotes gallbladder contraction, which is beneficial for most people but may cause discomfort in some.
What Do Researches Say? National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published several studies showing that olive oil reduces inflammation, protects the liver, and has a beneficial effect on the microbiota – the group of beneficial bacteria in our intestines.
The Spanish PREDIMED study showed that the group regularly consuming olive oil had a 30% lower incidence of cardiovascular complications.
Italian researchers from the University of Bari discovered that consuming olive oil on an empty stomach reduces oxidative stress – the process that causes aging and the development of diseases.
A Spoon of Olive Oil in the Morning? Yes, Please!
When you wake up tomorrow, take a moment and have a spoon of olive oil. You don't have to take someone's word for it – trust your body. After a few days, you may notice easier digestion, less bloating, feeling more vital.
And if someone asks you why you're doing this, just tell them: Because it's part of wisdom confirmed by science.
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