We all think of it often...what are the daily inititiatives we can do to support and live a healthier lifestyle? In fact, it's almost impossible to not to think of it multiple times a day as the media, bloggers, family and friends often cover healthy eating and living across all outlets and social media channels! In addition, you may even subscribe to publications (online or print) and even shop (online or in store) at the ever growing number of 'health food stores" or the health food section in traditional grocery stores. So, how to consume olive oil daily for better health? 

At the Olive Tap, we have published a number of blog articles on The Health Benefits of Olive Oil and even Why You Should Try Drinking Olive OIl. In this blog article we will dive in deeper specifically to explore how to consume olive oil daily for better health.  

As you will soon see, it's easy to add olive oil to your daily diet. In addition, your body will thank you for including quality olive oil due to its numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, promoting skin health and more. We will explore various ways to incorporate olive oil into your daily meals, discuss whether drinking olive oil is a good idea, and the potential and know benefits of this healthy fat.

EVOO is a "Superfood"

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is absolutely one amazing superfood for a long list of reasons including it is rich in healthy fats, packed with antioxidants, has anti-flammatory properties and more. The potential health benefits also include benefits in heart health, brain health, diabetes management, cancer prevention and more. The Olive Tap has published a host of articles on our blog. A few blog article highlights include:

• Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Support Your Wellness
• Live Longer and Healthier with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Most importantly, if you truly want the health benefits of EVOO, know how to purchase the best olive oil. 

• Is Your Extra Virgin Olive Oil Really Extra Virgin?

Ways to Add Olive Oil Into Your Diet 

So how do your eat more olive oil? Here are a few quick tips. We also have more blog articles including 10 Ways to Use Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Daily. It is also important to note, Balsamic Vinegar has many health benefits too!

Sip It or In Drinks: Simply pour a tablespoon in a small shotglass and sip it. Let the sips of olive oil coat your mouth and let it linger. Savor the green, nutty or robust taste. You can also add it your coffee or tea for a healthy punch to start the day.

Vinaigrettes & Salad Dressings: This is probably the most obvious, but use olive oil as a base for homemade vinaigrettes and salad dressings. See How to Make the Perfect Vinaigrette and checkout our Vinaigrettes Recipe Category. 

Cooking and Sautéing: It's easy to replace butter or margerine (worse yet) with EVOO when cooking. See our Blog Category of Cooking with Olive Oil to see many ideas and recipes! We also have a convenient Butter to Olive Oil Conversion Guide.

In Smoothies: Whether is it a protein or fruit smoothy, add a tablespoon of EVOO for a quick dose of a healthy fat.

Condiment: Use it in place of mayonaaise or better yet, make your own mayonnaise with our Quick and Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe.

Bread Dipping: Grab a fresh, crusy loaf of whole-grain bread and dip away. Add a touch of seasonings or parmasean reggiano too.

Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle olive oil over vegetables before roasting to enhance flavor and nutrients. See Veggie Recipes.

Cosmetic Uses: Here the opportunities are also endless including homemade scrubs, eye make-up remover and more. See our blog category on Cosmetic Uses for Olive Oil.

Now, you know How to Consume Olive Oil Daily but let's continue on...

Should You Drink Olive Oil?

Pushing the many celebrities aside, there is a growing trend of drinking olive oil not only due to the many health benefits we outlined above but even more! "Olive Oil Drinkers" have stated they have fewer cravings, their skin and hair were noticabley improved, they did not experience corresponding weight gain and had a feeling of an improved immune system. Some "Drinkers" also refer to EVOO as a "health tonic".

Does Drinking Olive Oil Have Any Benefits? 

Benefits? The overwhelming answer is Yes! And to recap once again, the health benefits are abound but please do not just trust us. The Cleveland Clinic recently highlighted the 6 Major Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. So let's see just how to consume olive oil daily...

Supports Heart Health: Studied from a cardioprotective standpoint, EVOO has been shown to reduce lipids and blood pressure. 

Rich in Antioxidants: EVOO is packed with more than 20 antioxidants which can fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Contains Healthy Fats: EVOO is mainly a monounsaturated fat and is linked to reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.

Eases Inflammation: The main antioxidant in quality EVOO, olecanthal, has powerful anti-inflammation properties.

Improves Digestion: Not only does EVOO help smooth the insides of the bowel, the polyphenols may help maintain a health microbiota in the intestine too.

Skin Health: Rich in vitamins E and K, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also help to hydrate, protect against damage and potentially aid in wound healing and wrinkles.

May Help in Living Longer: A recent study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found over a 28 period, high olive oil consumption was associated with an 8% to 34% lower risk of death related to disease.

How Much Olive Oil Should You Drink? 

The daily recommended intake for oil varies depending on age, sex, and activity level. 

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 27 grams (just under 2 tablespoons) of any type of added oils per day for a 2,000 calorie diet.

Moderation is Key: Highlight the importance of moderation, as olive oil is calorie-dense and should be consumed in appropriate amounts. Also be sure to buy quality EVOO too!

Now You See How to Consume Olive Oil Daily!

Whether you are up for becoming an "Olive Oil Drinker" or not, now you should see the rather expansive ways to incorporate Extra Virgin Olive Oil into your diet and frankly your lifestyle too. 

We would love to hear your comments of how to consume olive oil daily including more ideas, recipes and overall health impacts on our socials! Just click on our social icons in the footer of our website and share away!