Study Reveals Extra Virgin Olive Oil May Not Be Heart-Healthy

For years, extra virgin olive oil has been the golden child of the kitchen, lauded by everyone from chefs and nutritionists to Mediterranean grandmothers. It's been drizzled, sautéed, and splashed onto everything from salads to sautéed veggies with the promise of keeping our hearts ticking like a well-oiled machine. But hold on to your olive branches, folks-a new study says this culinary darling might not be as heart-friendly as we've all been led to believe.

In a shocking twist that will send your next vinaigrette into a tailspin, researchers at the University of Florida have thrown a wrench into the works. Their new study, which focused on high and low EVOO intake within the context of a plant-based diet, learned that less can, in fact, indeed prove more when it comes to heart health. That's right-your precious EVOO, the stuff of Mediterranean diet legend, might be spiking your LDL cholesterol, glucose levels, and overall cholesterol when consumed in greater quantities.

Let's break it down. The study involved 40 adults, all at risk of heart disease, with an average age of 64 and an average BMI of 32 (for those keeping track, that's squarely in the "obese" category). The participants, all of whom were supposed to follow two different diets for four weeks, lived on both plant-based diets comprising whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds; fruits and vegetables-just about everything that makes your vegan friend's Instagram feed so virtuous. The only difference? One group consumed a high amount of EVOO, about four tablespoons daily, while the other stuck to a meager less-than-one-teaspoon daily.

And the results? Let's just say they might make you want to put the oil cruet down. Those who upped their EVOO intake saw a spike in LDL-the so-called "bad" cholesterol-glucose levels, and even total cholesterol-whereas in the low-EVOO group, those pesky levels remained somewhat in check, hinting that perhaps we have been a little too generous with our Mediterranean gold.

The Mediterranean Myth?

But before you go on an EVOO purge, remember that this study doesn't completely take the pedestal away from olive oil. The Mediterranean diet, heavy in EVOO, has long been associated with lower rates of heart disease and longer lifespans. It does show, however, that the magic may actually lie more in the balance of the diet in its entirety, not in the liberal pouring on of olive oil.

So, what's a health-conscious foodie to do? It would seem that moderation is the key. While EVOO still contains many health perks-antioxidants and healthy fats-also don't make it an excuse to drown your meals in it. This study suggests that staying to less amounts-especially within the context of a whole-food, plant-based diet-is perhaps the best route toward keeping your heart happy without inadvertently raising your LDL levels.

The EVOO Takeaway

It serves to point out, in a gentle way, that even the healthiest of foods should be consumed in a mindfulness manner. Just because something is good for you doesn't mean more of it is better. Olive oil may still be of value in a heart-healthy diet, but it's not the solo star we've made it out to be. Think of it more as a supporting actor-essential, yes, but not the whole show.

In an on-again, off-again world of health advice, one thing is crystal clear from this message: it's all about balance. Keep enjoying your olive oil, but maybe go a little easy on the extra virgin. After all, your heart-and your waistline-might just thank you for it.

So the next time you're about to drizzle EVOO with wild abandon, remember: a little goes a long way. And while it may not be the heart hero we all thought it was, with the right approach, it still can play a delicious—and healthy—role in your diet.