The Health Benefits of Olive Oil: Backed by Science, Rooted in Tradition

For centuries, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine—but today, it’s also one of the most extensively studied superfoods in nutritional science. With mounting evidence from leading doctors like Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Simon Poole, olive oil is being recognized not only for its culinary value but also for its role in preventing chronic disease, reducing inflammation, and supporting longevity.

At Dos Olivos Markets, we curate only the finest cold-extracted, high-polyphenol olive oils to help you bring wellness to your kitchen.

1. Olive Oil as Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is the root cause of most chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, olive oil is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory foods we can consume:

“The polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil can suppress inflammatory pathways, similar to how ibuprofen works—without the side effects.” – Dr. Mark Hyman, MD

A compound called oleocanthal—unique to high-quality EVOO—has been shown to inhibit inflammatory enzymes. This makes olive oil a functional food, not just a source of healthy fat.

Try this anti-inflammatory powerhouse:
🔗 Moroccan Olive Grove EVOO – Rich in polyphenols and flavor, ideal for raw dishes like salad dressings and drizzling over roasted vegetables.

2. A Cardiologist’s Dream: Heart Health & Olive Oil

Dr. Simon Poole, a leading voice in nutritional medicine and author of The Olive Oil Diet, explains how diets high in EVOO—like the Mediterranean Diet—help maintain healthy blood pressure, reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), and prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).

He cites landmark studies like PREDIMED, which found that people who consumed EVOO daily had a 30% lower risk of major cardiovascular events.

“Olive oil is protective because of its monounsaturated fats and antioxidants—it acts like liquid gold for the arteries.” – Dr. Simon Poole

Support your heart with this daily favorite:
🔗 Sparta Gourmet Organic Koroneiki EVOO – A robust Greek oil ideal for both cooking and finishing.

3. Brain Function and Olive Oil: Cognitive Clarity at Every Age

Cognitive decline is one of the biggest fears as we age, but Dr. Hyman emphasizes that diet plays a huge role in brain longevity. EVOO's antioxidant compounds protect neurons, enhance memory, and may reduce beta-amyloid plaque accumulation—a key feature in Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Poole highlights the MIND diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and has shown that people who consume olive oil regularly experience slower cognitive decline and better memory performance.

Boost brain health with:
🔗 Oliviana Koroneiki Early Harvest EVOO – Early harvest olives mean higher antioxidant levels.

4. Weight Management & Metabolism Support

Many people wrongly fear fats when trying to lose weight, but as Dr. Hyman teaches, the quality of fat matters more than the quantity. EVOO increases satiety, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports fat-burning hormones.

“Good fats like olive oil don’t make you fat—they make you full, energized, and metabolically resilient.” – Dr. Mark Hyman, MD

5. Cooking with Confidence: Stability & Versatility

Despite outdated myths, EVOO is safe for most cooking methods. Dr. Poole explains that due to its natural antioxidants, EVOO is more stable at high heat than many refined seed oils. Plus, its versatility makes it a smart switch for daily use.

Everyday cooking solution:

🔗 Mazara Premium Squeezable Spanish Olive Oil Set – One for cooking, one for finishing. Great for families.

6. Longevity and Disease Prevention

Dr. Simon Poole frequently discusses olive oil as a longevity food. From Blue Zones to Mediterranean regions, long-living populations consistently include EVOO as a dietary staple.

High-quality EVOO reduces the oxidative stress that accelerates aging, supports gut health, and improves immune resilience.

Add years to your life with:
🔗 Tierras de Tavara Selección EVOO – Elegant and balanced, this Spanish EVOO is perfect for dressings, dipping, and finishing grilled vegetables.

Shop Science-Backed Olive Oils at Dos Olivos Markets

We don’t just sell olive oil—we curate oils that nourish the body and elevate your lifestyle. Every bottle at Dos Olivos Markets is cold-extracted, single-origin, and selected for its nutritional profile.