Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Health
What the Latest Scientific Research Shows
High-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), especially rich in polyphenols, has been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, better brain function, and lower long-term disease risk. Research suggests daily consumption may support cholesterol balance, blood sugar control, and overall longevity.
What Makes Extra Virgin Olive Oil So Powerful?
The health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil are largely attributed to its polyphenols, natural compounds including oleocanthal, oleacein, and hydroxytyrosol.
These compounds are widely studied for their:
- Antioxidant activity
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Cellular protection
High-phenolic olive oils, such as early-harvest EVOO, are the primary focus of most scientific studies due to their higher concentrations of these compounds.
Can Olive Oil Improve Heart Health?
Yes. This is one of the most well-supported areas of research.
Studies show that EVOO can:
- Improve cholesterol profiles
- Reduce LDL oxidation
- Support blood vessel function
A study in Nutrients found that EVOO consumption improves lipid markers and cardiovascular risk factors (Visioli et al., 2024).
Additionally, a large cohort study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that higher olive oil intake was associated with a 19% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality (Guasch-Ferré et al., 2022).
Does Olive Oil Help Reduce Inflammation?
Research strongly supports EVOO’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Oleocanthal, a key polyphenol, has been shown to act similarly to ibuprofen by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes (Beauchamp et al., 2005; Parkinson & Keast, 2014).
A review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found EVOO polyphenols may reduce inflammation linked to chronic diseases such as arthritis (Martín-Peláez et al., 2019).
Can Olive Oil Support Brain Health?
Emerging research suggests a strong link between olive oil and cognitive health.
A 2024 study in JAMA Network Open found that higher olive oil intake was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death (Tessier et al., 2024).
This is thought to be due to:
- Reduced oxidative stress
- Improved blood flow to the brain
- Anti-inflammatory effects
What Does Research Say About Cancer?
Research into olive oil and cancer is ongoing, but promising.
A study in Lipids in Health and Disease found that olive oil polyphenols may influence cancer-related pathways, including oxidative stress and cell signalling (Owen et al., 2011).
Compounds like oleocanthal have also been shown to disrupt cancer cell growth in laboratory settings.
While more human studies are needed, the evidence suggests EVOO may support cellular protection.
Can Olive Oil Help With Blood Sugar & Diabetes?
Yes. Research indicates EVOO may support metabolic health.
A 2024 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that EVOO polyphenols can:
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Reduce post-meal glucose spikes
- Support metabolic balance (Gorzynik-Debicka et al., 2024)
This makes EVOO particularly valuable in managing or reducing risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Does Olive Oil Reduce Oxidative Stress?
Oxidative stress is a key driver of ageing and chronic disease.
A study in Antioxidants found that EVOO polyphenols significantly reduce oxidative stress markers and improve antioxidant status (Cicerale et al., 2021).
This supports EVOO’s role in:
- Protecting cells
- Slowing ageing processes
- Supporting overall health
Can Olive Oil Help With Arthritis?
Yes. Particularly due to its anti-inflammatory compounds.
Research shows that oleocanthal can inhibit inflammatory pathways involved in joint degeneration (Martín-Peláez et al., 2019).
This suggests EVOO may help support joint health and mobility when consumed regularly.
What About Stroke & Blood Pressure?
The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, has been consistently linked to reduced stroke risk.
Studies show EVOO contributes to:
- Improved vascular function
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced inflammation (Estruch et al., 2018)
Can Olive Oil Improve Gut Health?
Emerging research suggests EVOO supports gut health by:
- Promoting beneficial bacteria
- Reducing inflammation in the digestive system
Polyphenols appear to act as prebiotic-like compounds, supporting microbiome balance (Gorzynik-Debicka et al., 2018).
Does Olive Oil Help You Live Longer?
One of the strongest findings in nutrition research:
Higher olive oil intake is associated with lower all-cause mortality.
A major study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that consuming more than 7g/day of olive oil was linked to reduced risk of death from:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
- Neurodegenerative disease (Guasch-Ferré et al., 2022)
Why Quality Matters
Not all olive oils deliver these benefits.
To maximise health potential, choose EVOO that is:
- High in polyphenols
- Early harvest
- Cold-extracted
- Fresh and traceable
High-phenolic oils contain significantly more of the compounds studied in the research above.
The science is still evolving, but the direction is clear. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the most researched and respected components of a healthy diet. Simple, natural, and rooted in tradition, it remains one of the easiest ways to support your long-term health.
References to Search
- Beauchamp, G.K. et al. (2005) Phytochemistry – Oleocanthal anti-inflammatory activity
- Cicerale, S. et al. (2021) Antioxidants – EVOO and oxidative stress
- Estruch, R. et al. (2018) New England Journal of Medicine – Mediterranean diet & cardiovascular health
- Gorzynik-Debicka, M. et al. (2018) International Journal of Molecular Sciences – Olive oil polyphenols review
- Gorzynik-Debicka, M. et al. (2024) International Journal of Molecular Sciences – EVOO and metabolic health
- Guasch-Ferré, M. et al. (2022) Journal of the American College of Cardiology – Olive oil and mortality
- Martín-Peláez, S. et al. (2019) International Journal of Molecular Sciences – Anti-inflammatory effects
- Owen, R.W. et al. (2011) Lipids in Health and Disease – Olive oil and cancer pathways
- Parkinson, L. & Keast, R. (2014) International Journal of Molecular Sciences – Oleocanthal properties
- Tessier, A.J. et al. (2024) JAMA Network Open – Olive oil and dementia mortality
- Visioli, F. et al. (2024) Nutrients – EVOO and cholesterol
The Governor has been so far studied for...
The polyphenols in the Governor EVOO are measured by NMR - Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. NMR is very expensive to use but it is proven to be the most accurate way for producers to identify their olive oil as high phenolic olive oil.
The oleocanthal concentration in EVOO can vary considerably. This is due to several factors, including the variety of olive, geographical location of the olive trees, olive maturity when pressing, cultivation and production techniques.
- Olive Compound Oleocanthal: A New Possible Treatment Approach for Aggressive Prostate Cancer - Published November 2025
- The Olive Oil Phenolic S-(-)-Oleocanthal Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression and Recurrence by Modulating SMYD2-EZH2 and c-MET Activation - Published January 2025
- 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
- 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
- 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
Scientific Advisors
Dr. Prokopios Magiatis and Dr. Eleni Melliou are at the forefront of olive oil research. Dr. Magiatis is a co-founder and vice-president of the Oleocanthal International Society and co-founder of the World Olive Center for Health in Athens. Dr. Melliou is co-founder and general secretary of the Oleocanthal International Society and co-founder of the World Olive Centre for Health in Athens.
The World Olive Centre is a specialised organisation dedicated to the study of the health benefit’s of Olive oil. Its main objective is to provide support for clinical trials using high phenolic extra virgin olive oil.
Prokopios Magiatis research is focused on the isolation, chemical synthesis and bioactivity of natural products especially olive oil. He is an expert on the analyses and measurement of bioactive compounds like oleocanthal in olive oil. Dr. Eleni Melliou research is focused on the chemistry of natural products and particularly on isolation and structural identification of bioactive small molecules from foods with the use of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods.
“We can certify that The Governor is an extremely rare extra virgin olive oil that stands out from the usual oils. It is an oil highly recommended to all consumers looking for olive oil with enhanced properties for health protection”
Prokopios Magiatis, Associate Professor – Athens University Faculty of Pharmacy
