Hippocrates and other ancient physicians used olive oil to treat diseases. Modern scientific research has now proven these beneficial properties.

Para ilmuwan menemukan bahwa rendahnya tingkat kematian akibat penyakit jantung di pedesaan Kreta disebabkan oleh tingginya konsumsi minyak zaitun dibandingkan dengan negara lain yang penduduknya mengonsumsi minyak biji-bijian dan lemak hewani. Penelitian terkait telah membuktikan bahwa minyak zaitun, karena kandungan asam oleat tak jenuh tunggalnya, mengontrol kadar kolesterol dalam darah dengan meningkatkan kadar lipoprotein HDL, dan akibatnya metabolisme zat ini, yang merupakan penyebab utama penyakit jantung.

Selain itu, sifat organoleptik minyak zaitun membuatnya mudah dicerna oleh tubuh dan merupakan lemak yang paling cocok untuk dimakan dengan efek menguntungkan bagi lambung.

Orang Spanyol Organisasi Minyak Zaitun Interprofesional supports experts and researchers in order to highlight the health-protective effect of olive oil on the human body. Spanish researchers, among them doctors, are seeking to make olive oil more known to the general public, as many people are not aware of the beneficial effects of olive oil. Through the campaign “For a Lifetime”, they differentiate the quality categories of olive oil, promote its uses in cooking and nutrition in general and want to convey to the Spanish population the advantages that they will have by following a Pola Makan Mediterania in which olive oil will be the main source of fats.

As they argue, a small percentage of people follow the Mediterranean Diet, so it is considered necessary to spread the scientific evidence that exists about the benefits of olive oil and how people with cardiovascular problems can be helped by its use. Specifically, from the CORDIOPREV study (2022) it appears that cardiovascular patients who follow a Mediterranean Diet rich in minyak zaitun extra virgin have up to 30% less chance of their disease recurring compared to those who follow a healthy diet but low in “good” fats.

Olive oil is characterized as a “dietary jewel”, which lowers blood pressure, helps prevent diabetes, increases good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol, conditions that are closely related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, which mitigates chronic diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, as well as cancer.

Bahkan dalam olahraga, efek minyak zaitun penting karena merupakan salah satu lemak terbaik yang dapat dikonsumsi, dengan tindakan anti-inflamasinya membantu olahraga ketahanan (bersepeda, joging, dll.) serta olahraga kekuatan.