The Surprising Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil You Might Not Know
You already know olive oil is good for you but even if you’ve read the headlines, you might not realise just how far-reaching its benefits can be.
EVOO has been part of healthy traditional diets for centuries – not just for flavour, but for functional wellness. From blood pressure to brain health, mitochondrial support to immune balance, high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil offers more than most people expect.
Let’s explore the exciting, lesser-known possibilities emerging in the research and discover how you can take your health into your own hands – one spoonful at a time.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.
The Full-Body Benefits of Polyphenols
Most of the health benefits linked to EVOO come from its polyphenols, not just the monounsaturated fats.
These plant-based compounds act as powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They work deep within your body, helping to influence gene expression, stabilise cell membranes, reduce oxidative stress, and support immune balance.
The good news? You don’t need litres. Just two tablespoons a day (about 25 mL) has been shown to support improvements in inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels – especially when the oil is rich in phenolic compounds like SP360 is.
Blood Pressure & Heart Rhythm Support
If you’re managing high blood pressure or just want to support your heart long-term, EVOO might help. Studies show that high-phenolic olive oil may reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in people with elevated levels.
It also helps improve how your blood vessels function – a process called endothelial function – and enhances the performance of HDL (the “good” cholesterol). These changes can support healthier circulation, better oxygen delivery, and potentially even help stabilise heart rhythm through improved nitric oxide availability.
Learn more in our blog on Polyphenols for Heart Health.
Cholesterol, Blood Sugar & Metabolism
High-polyphenol EVOO goes beyond heart health. Research shows it can reduce LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and oxidised LDL, while supporting better HDL function and blood glucose control – without cutting fat out of your diet.
Unlike refined oils, extra virgin olive oil delivers active phenolic compounds that may reduce insulin resistance and support better lipid metabolism: both key factors in managing metabolic health.
Explore this in more detail in our blogs on Managing Blood Sugar with Polyphenols and Can Olive Oil Help You Lose Weight.
Mitochondrial Health: The Cellular Powerhouses
Your mitochondria are responsible for producing energy, and when they’re not functioning well, everything from fatigue to ageing speeds up. Olive oil polyphenols like hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein have been shown to protect these powerhouses from damage and encourage the growth of new ones.
This could be one of the reasons why regular EVOO use is associated with better vitality, energy metabolism and overall resilience.
Curious how this links to performance? Visit our blog on Why Athletes Choose High Polyphenol EVOO.
Antimicrobial & Immune Protection
Your immune system thrives on balance, not overdrive. And EVOO may help. Phenolic compounds such as oleuropein have shown antimicrobial activity against a range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses like HIV and HBV in preliminary studies.
These effects could play a role in reducing the burden of low-grade inflammation, helping you stay well – especially during periods of stress or exposure.
Potential Cancer-Preventive Effects
While no food can promise cancer prevention, several lab and animal studies have shown that EVOO polyphenols may help slow the growth of abnormal cells, reduce blood vessel formation around tumours, and promote cancer cell apoptosis (natural cell death).
Human trials are still limited, but the findings are encouraging – especially when high-quality EVOO is part of a Mediterranean-style diet that supports overall cellular health.
Interested in the research? Dive deeper in our blog on Olive Oil for Cancer.
From Culture to Cognitive Health
People have long linked EVOO to brain health and emerging research is starting to show why. Studies suggest EVOO polyphenols can help reduce neuroinflammation, protect dopamine pathways, and support cognitive resilience.
This could support memory, learning, emotional balance, and focus – particularly as part of a long-term, whole-diet approach.
Discover more in our blog on Olive Oil and Brain Health.
A Spoonful of Protection
Most supermarket olive oils don’t contain enough polyphenols to make a difference and the levels drop even further with time, heat and poor packaging.
That’s why we created SP360: a high-polyphenol olive oil delivering 1,462 mg/kg – 46% beyond the “medical grade” level. Cold-extracted and early-harvested for maximum potency, every batch is lab tested and packaged in refillable, dark-glass bottles to preserve freshness and cut waste.
This isn’t a fad or a fix. It’s a proven, natural way to support multiple areas of your health – with one small habit, done daily.
You don’t need to overhaul your routine. Just add a spoonful of SP360 to what you’re already doing and let the polyphenols do their quiet work in the background.
Ready to try the EVOO with benefits that go beyond? Explore SP360 or subscribe for effortless wellness delivered to your door.
Sources
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