Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Olive Oil

What does the research say about Olive Oil?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Olive oil has been studied for two health outcomes: reduced LDL cholesterol and reduced blood pressure. The strongest evidence supports a small beneficial effect on LDL cholesterol, based on three studies of moderate strength, though dosing information is lacking and the evidence is considered preliminary. The only identified population in these studies is adults with central obesity (ages 25–45), limiting generalizability.

Strongest evidence: The only outcome with moderate evidence strength is reduced LDL cholesterol. All three studies (100%) reported beneficial small-sized effects, with a median study duration of 12 weeks. No consistent dose range was reported across studies.

Mixed or weaker evidence: For reduced blood pressure, the evidence strength is very low. Of three studies, two reported beneficial effects (one moderate, one small) and one found neutral results. A 2024 systematic review showed conflicting results for cardiovascular outcomes, tempering the positive signal. The predominant effect size is mixed, and no specific population or dose could be determined from the available data.

Effective dose patterns: None of the syntheses provided a consistent effective dose range for either outcome, limiting the ability to identify cross-cutting dose insights.

Population insights: The only specific population identified was adults with central obesity (ages 25–45) in the LDL cholesterol synthesis. No other population data were available for blood pressure research.

Notable caveats: Both syntheses suffer from a small evidence base (only 3 studies each), making conclusions preliminary. Publication bias is a concern, as null results are less likely to be published. The blood pressure evidence is further weakened by conflicting results from a recent systematic review and reliance on narrative reviews rather than randomized controlled trials.

Frequently asked

  • What is Olive Oil good for according to research?
    Research suggests olive oil may help reduce LDL cholesterol, with moderate evidence from three studies all showing small beneficial effects. Evidence for reducing blood pressure is weaker and mixed, with two of three studies showing benefit but one neutral result and conflicting findings from a recent systematic review.
  • What dose of Olive Oil is typically used in studies?
    No consistent dose range was reported across the studies for LDL cholesterol or blood pressure. For LDL cholesterol, only one study reported study duration (84 days), but no specific daily intake was provided. Dosing information is insufficient to generalize.
  • Who benefits most from Olive Oil?
    Only one study identified a specific population: adults with central obesity (ages 25–45) showed a reduction in LDL cholesterol. No population data were available for blood pressure outcomes, so it is unclear who might benefit most for that outcome.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Olive Oil?
    Yes. The evidence base is small (only three studies per outcome), making all conclusions preliminary. Publication bias is likely, as clinical literature on olive oil tends to favor positive results. For blood pressure, the results are conflicting and the evidence strength is very low, partly due to reliance on narrative reviews rather than randomized trials.
  • Does Olive Oil help with reducing LDL cholesterol?
    The evidence is moderate that olive oil has a small beneficial effect on reducing LDL cholesterol, based on all three studies reporting positive results. However, the absence of consistent dosing and limited population data (only central obesity) mean the findings should be considered preliminary.
  • Does Olive Oil help with reducing blood pressure?
    The evidence is very low and mixed. Two of three studies showed some benefit (small to moderate effect), but one found no effect, and a 2024 systematic review reported conflicting results for cardiovascular outcomes. No firm conclusion can be drawn from the available research.

Most-studied combinations with Olive Oil

most supplement research is combination research
Also studied with:Aloe Vera (2), Flax (2), Vitamin E (2)

  • SuperPure Olive Organic Extract

    By Pure Synergy

    4.7 (100 reviews)
    In Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $33.75
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Oil Of Oregano

    By Natural Factors

    4.7 (1.6K reviews)
    In Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $9.77
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Oil Of Oregano

    By Natural Factors

    4.7 (1.6K reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $17.47
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out
Back to top