Extra virgin olive oil and heart disease in people
What it found
Studies in people found extra virgin olive oil may help lower inflammation, act as an antioxidant and widen blood vessels, which could reduce the build-up of fatty deposits in arteries.
The studies included healthy people and those at risk of heart problems.
What they found
Studies in people
Heart events
Extra virgin olive oil seems to play a part in lowering the number of heart attacks and strokes.
Inflammation and blood vessels
The studies showed extra virgin olive oil works against inflammation, acts as an antioxidant and helps blood vessels widen.
Artery build-up
These effects may help lower the build-up of fatty deposits in arteries.
Other findings
What is in the oil
Almost all of the oil's weight, 98 to 99%, is fats, mostly monounsaturated fats like oleic acid. The remaining 1 to 2% is made up of tocopherols, polyphenols and other minor parts.
What the authors conclude
“The studies analyzed demonstrated the role of EVOO as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and vasodilatory nutrient that may contribute to lower the atherosclerotic burden.”
Also in their conclusions
- They conclude that extra virgin olive oil acts as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and vasodilatory nutrient.
- They say it may help lower the atherosclerotic burden.
How it was done
The heart-protective effects of the Mediterranean diet were first shown in the Seven Country Study. Many later studies have confirmed the link between this diet and heart disease, and extra virgin olive oil is its most typical component.
They looked at studies that gave extra virgin olive oil supplements to healthy people and to people at risk of heart problems.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- The studies included looked at links between extra virgin olive oil and heart health. They cannot prove that the oil itself causes the improvements seen.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
The paper
- Title
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Diseases: Benefits for Human Health
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Nocella C, Cammisotto V, Fianchini L, et al (2018). Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Diseases: Benefits for Human Health. Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets. doi:10.2174/1871530317666171114121533PubMed 29141571DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error