A wrong meal, too little fiber, or stress—and your gut will feel it immediately. Fortunately, there are natural ways to support your gut health. Spoiler alert: olive oil plays a surprisingly powerful role. Is olive oil good for your gut? Let us explain, using scientific research as our guide.
What does olive oil do for your gut?
Olive oil plays an important role in promoting healthy digestion. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which help break down and absorb fats and other nutrients more efficiently. This can reduce digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and heartburn. Moreover, olive oil has a mild anti-inflammatory effect, which contributes to a smoother and healthier digestive process.
Extra virgin olive oil is richest in nutrients and is therefore the healthiest choice when it comes to supporting your gut flora. But be careful: overheating extra virgin olive oil can cause these beneficial properties to be lost and may release harmful substances. It’s important not to let the oil overheat or start smoking while cooking. You can safely heat our extra virgin olive oil up to 207 degrees Celsius. Read more about heating olive oil.
While extra virgin is the best-known type of olive oil, there’s another that’s even better suited for high-heat cooking: pomace olive oil. Cooking with pomace olive oil is ideal because it can be heated up to 230 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the refined pomace production process, it has a neutral taste, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes. Although it contains fewer antioxidants than extra virgin, it still provides healthy fats that can support gut health. Plus, it offers excellent value for money. Curious about buying pomace olive oil? Check out our pomace olive oil shop. You can choose between a 1-liter tin or a 5-liter tin. Our pomace olive oil is also available at Albert Heijn.
Is a tablespoon of olive oil a day good for you?
Did you know that daily consumption of olive oil offers numerous health benefits? Extra virgin olive oil in particular is a valuable addition to your diet, as it contains the highest levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Daily intake supports the absorption of important fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Bonus tip: use extra virgin olive oil preferably in cold dishes to preserve all nutrients.
How much olive oil is good for bowel movements?
As you now know, it’s beneficial to take a few tablespoons of olive oil daily. It works like a natural lubricant for your intestines and helps support digestion. It promotes smooth bowel movements by softening the intestinal lining and aids in nutrient absorption. For best results, take olive oil on an empty stomach.
Is olive oil good for your gut?
Is olive oil good for your gut? The conclusion: yes, it definitely is! It promotes digestion, supports a healthy gut flora, improves bowel movements, and protects the gut barrier. Whether you take a tablespoon on an empty stomach or include it in your meals, adding extra virgin olive oil to your daily diet can make a big difference to your gut health.
Want to learn more about the benefits of olive oil? Discover our pure and natural extra virgin olive oil and explore all its health benefits.