10/03/2026
OLIVE OIL AND HEART HEALTH: AN INTERESTING CONNECTION
Olive oil is one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet — but could it also influence one of the processes involved in cardiovascular health?
Researchers studied 63 adults with obesity who had no history of heart disease, diabetes or smoking. Participants were grouped according to how often they consumed olive oil:
• Once a week or less
• 1–3 times per week
• 4 or more times per week
Researchers then measured platelet activation, one of the early steps involved in blood clotting.
Blood clotting is essential when we are injured. But excessive or inappropriate clotting inside blood vessels can contribute to cardiovascular problems.
Interestingly, the participants with the highest olive oil intake had the lowest levels of platelet activation.
The finding doesn't prove that olive oil prevents heart attacks or strokes, but it adds to the research exploring how olive oil consumption may be associated with cardiovascular health.
🫒 A simple Mediterranean staple with some fascinating research behind it.
The study source suggests approximately 1½–2 tablespoons of olive oil per day.
