The Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Athletes
Whether you’re a seasoned endurance athlete, a casual gym-goer, or simply committed to a healthy lifestyle, the food you consume plays a crucial role in your performance and recovery. Among the many superfoods now promoted for athletic health, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)—particularly high-phenolic, cold-pressed varieties like The Governor—stands out for its science-backed benefits.
New Research
A new Italian study, released in February 2025 in the Journal of Physical Education and Sport, examined the potential role of extra-virgin olive oil as a functional food for athletes.
- Journal of Physical Education and Sport - Extra virgin olive oil as a functional food for athletes: recovery, health, and performance.
Here’s why premium organic extra virgin olive oil should be a staple in every athlete’s nutrition plan.
1. Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Support
Exercise creates stress in the body—muscle microtears, oxidative stress, and inflammation are all part of the adaptive process. But chronic inflammation, if unchecked, can hinder performance and prolong recovery.
High-phenolic olive oil, such as The Governor EVOO, is rich in oleocanthal, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of ibuprofen. Studies have shown that oleocanthal can inhibit the same inflammatory enzymes targeted by NSAIDs, without the side effects.
Takeaway: Incorporating The Governor into your daily meals may reduce muscle soreness and joint inflammation after workouts, supporting faster recovery.
2. A Natural Source of Antioxidants
Athletes experience elevated levels of oxidative stress, especially after intense training or competition. The body’s ability to neutralize free radicals becomes essential in maintaining cellular health.
The Governor EVOO is early-harvested and cold-pressed, preserving a high concentration of polyphenols, including tyrosol, oleuropein, and hydroxytyrosol—potent antioxidants that protect the body at a cellular level.
Takeaway: EVOO from The Governor may help prevent long-term cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, enhancing endurance and longevity in sport.
3. Heart Health & Endurance
Cardiovascular efficiency is central to athletic performance. Numerous studies have consistently shown that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
The Governor EVOO supports healthy cholesterol levels, reduces blood pressure, and improves endothelial function—all of which contribute to better circulation, oxygen delivery, and stamina during physical activity.
Takeaway: A heart-healthy oil like The Governor may support improved cardiovascular performance, especially for endurance athletes.
4. Brain Function & Focus
Athletes don’t just need strong muscles—they need mental clarity, reaction time, and decision-making skills. EVOO’s high levels of monounsaturated fats and neuroprotective polyphenols contribute to cognitive function, memory, and mood.
Emerging research even links high-phenolic olive oil with long-term brain health and reduced risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
Takeaway: Whether you’re training or competing, The Governor EVOO may help you stay sharp and focused.
5. Sustained Energy Without Spikes
Unlike refined carbohydrates or processed sports snacks, olive oil offers slow-burning energy through healthy fats. This promotes balanced blood sugar levels and reduces post-meal energy crashes—ideal for athletes managing training loads or endurance events.
Takeaway: Drizzling The Governor EVOO over meals gives you long-lasting fuel without the sugar spike.
How to Incorporate The Governor EVOO Into Your Athletic Lifestyle
- Pre-Workout: Add to smoothies, yogurt bowls, or spread on toast for a clean fat source before training.
- Post-Workout: Drizzle over grilled vegetables, lean proteins, or salads to reduce inflammation and aid recovery.
- Daily Use: Replace butter or processed oils in cooking with The Governor to support overall health and performance.
Why Choose The Governor EVOO?
Not all olive oils are created equal. The Governor is:
- Award-Winning
- Certified Organic & Cold-Pressed
- Early Harvested for Maximum Phenolic Content
- Lab-Tested for Polyphenol Levels
- Trusted by Nutritionists, Chefs & Health Experts
You truly get what you pay for with olive oil. For athletes serious about performance and recovery, The Governor EVOO is more than an ingredient—it's an edge.
To learn more, search the published medical research below on oleocanthal, oleacein, and other polyphenols found in high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil.
-Olive Compound Oleocanthal: A New Possible Treatment Approach for Aggressive Prostate Cancer - Published November 2025
-High Polyphenol Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity: A Scoping Review of Preclinical Data and Clinical Trials - Published February 2025
-The Olive Oil Phenolic S-(-)-Oleocanthal Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression and Recurrence by Modulating SMYD2-EZH2 and c-MET Activation - Published January 2025
-Acute Antiplatelet Effects of an Oleocanthal-Rich Olive Oil in Type II Diabetic Patients: A Postprandial Study - Published May 2024
-Consumption of Olive Oil and Diet Quality and Risk of Dementia-Related Death - Published May 2024
-Extra virgin olive oil enhances the blood-brain barrier function in Mild Cognitive impairment - Published December 2022
-Oleocanthal Attenuates Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Progression and Recurrence by Targeting SMYD2 - Published July 2022
-The effect of Dietary Intervention with high oleocanthal and oleacein olive oil in patients with early stage chronic Leukemia - Published 21 January 2022
-Olive Polyphenols: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties - Published June 2021
-Oleocanthal is inhibiting lung cancer – published 11 June 2020
-Safety Evaluation of single dose of Oleocanthal – published 20th January 2020
-Oleocanthal combine with lapatinib treatmentsynergized against HER 2 breast cancer – published 15th February 2020
-Alzheimer and cancer cells at the ULM and hunter college of New York ( Cornel University)
-Oleocanthal rich restores the blood – brain barrier – Accepted 12th June 2019
-Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol and Derivatives and Their Potential Effects on Human Health - Published May 2019
-Oleocanthal on its oral anti breast cancer activity – published 9th April 2019
-Optimization of taste masked oleocanthal – 5 October 2019
-Oleocanthal rich enhances donepezil effect by reducing amyloid b and toxicity of Alzheimer disease – 8th may 2018
-Olive oil intake is inversely related to cancer prevalence: a systematic review and a meta-analysis of 13800 patients and 23340 controls in 19 observational studies - Published July 2011
