Can I Drink Olive Oil? Facts and Benefits

Olive oil is generally recognized as a healthy alternative to regular cooking oil.

Therefore, many people then use olive oil for cooking so that various health benefits can be obtained ^[1,2].

In addition to cooking, olive oil is often used as a natural ingredient for facial skin care, including as a facial makeup remover ^[1,2].

There are also those who use olive oil to rub on the skin before massaging.

However, some people want to drink it; Is it true that olive oil can and is safe to drink directly?

Can I drink olive oil?

Yes, because drinking olive oil is a common thing for many people, especially for those who realize the importance of maintaining a healthy body ^[3].

Since olive oil is a great source of antioxidants as well as healthy fats, people don’t just use it as a substitute for regular cooking oil when cooking ^[1,3].

Olive oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory properties so that it can provide protection for the body from various types of chronic diseases ^[1,5].

Offering many health benefits, drinking olive oil has become a habit for many people ^[3].

60 ml or about cup is the amount people generally use when drinking olive oil, especially every morning ^[3].

Many people have proven how drinking olive oil is so safe and actually one of the most effective ways of detoxifying the body.

In addition, many also drinks it to lose weight and overcome digestive disorders ^[3].

Those who are used to consuming it directly also believe that the benefits of drinking olive oil are far greater than using it for cooking, although there are no scientific studies that prove this. ^[3].

Although many people are used to drinking cup or 60 ml of olive oil every morning, not everyone will be suitable to start consumption with this dose ^[3].

In order not to overdo it for the body, there are times when it’s better to start with a smaller dose first ^[3].

1 teaspoon is a measure that can be used to try drinking olive oil ^[3].

Over time, increase the amount little by little until you finally reach cup or 60 ml ^[3].

Drinking olive oil also needs to be balanced with a healthy diet and a balanced diet ^[3].

This is because olive oil is actually quite high in calories; 1 teaspoon has 40 calories, 1 tablespoon has 119 calories, and 1 cup (about 216 grams) has 1910 calories. ^[6].

Therefore, limiting cup or 60 ml in drinking it per day is quite good, especially if you are also used to cooking using olive oil ^[3].

Even when you get used to drinking too much, as a result, not only calorie intake can be excessive, but there is also a risk of digestive disorders ^[3].

What are the reasons drinking olive oil is good for health?

As previously mentioned, olive oil contains antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory properties.

Therefore, the following is a list of reasons why drinking olive oil is legal, gaining popularity, and very safe.

Reduces Inflammation Risk

Olive oil has anti-inflammatory effects, one of which is oleocanthal which is a natural pain reliever ^[7,8].

The effect of oleocanthal from olive oil in reducing or relieving pain is the same as over-the-counter pain relievers that can be purchased at the nearest pharmacy or drug store. ^[7,8].

Maintain Bone Health

Olive oil is also known to be useful for bone health because this has been proven by a study in 523 women who consumed 20 ml of olive oil every day. ^[9].

The women in this study are known to have better bone density and increase when compared to women who consumed less than 20 ml of olive oil. ^[9].

Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels

Olive oil consumed regularly can also help lower high blood sugar levels and then stabilize them ^[10].

This has been proven through the results of a study of 25 people who are in good health ^[10].

These participants were given a diet containing olive oil and 2 hours later there was a decrease in blood sugar levels ^[10].

Maintain Heart Health

There is a monounsaturated fat in olive oil called oleic acid ^[11].

This content plays a major role in reducing the risk of disorders of the cardiovascular system and heart problems ^[11].

Therefore, consuming olive oil like using it as cooking oil is very good ^[11].

However, there are no scientific studies that prove the link between drinking olive oil directly with a lower risk of heart disease.

Overcoming Constipation

Consuming olive oil, especially drinking it, can overcome constipation or hard to defecate. This has proven to be successful in 34% of older persons or seniors aged 60 years and over ^[12].

Even according to the results of another study of 50 dialysis patients who had constipation, the consumption of olive oil 4 ml for 4 weeks was able to soften the hard stools ^[13].

So, drinking olive oil is actually okay and even highly recommended, as long as it’s not too much.

In order not to risk excessive calorie intake, olive oil can be taken in limited doses.