Yes, olive oil — particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) — can indeed help lower oxidative stress in the body. Here's what the research shows:

What the Evidence Says

Pillser's research database has identified 1 study on olive oil and oxidative stress, and it showed a beneficial effect¹.

A 2025 review titled "Oil and life: The impact of olive oil on human health" found that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds like polyphenols and tocopherols, helps protect against oxidative stress².

How It Works

The key components responsible for olive oil's antioxidant effects are:

• Polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein) — These are potent antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to cells.
• Vitamin E (tocopherols) — A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation.
• Oleic acid — The main monounsaturated fat in olive oil, which is more resistant to oxidation than polyunsaturated fats.

Practical Takeaway

To get the most antioxidant benefit, extra virgin olive oil is your best choice, as it retains more polyphenols and bioactive compounds compared to refined olive oils. Including it as part of a balanced diet (e.g., in salads, drizzled over vegetables, or used in low-heat cooking) is a well-supported way to help reduce oxidative stress and support heart health.

Footnotes

1. Pillser research database, Olive Oil and Reduced Oxidative Stress. ↩

2. "Oil and life: The impact of olive oil on human health. A review of the evidence supporting the recommendation for extra virgin olive oil consumption." (2025), Pillser. ↩