Is It Ever Actually OK To Drink Olive Oil Straight?

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Whether you tend to stay on top of new health trends or you’re just curious about whether you can enjoy your favorite olive oil by the tablespoon, many wonder if it’s okay to enjoy a bit of olive oil on its own. Chowhound spoke to Andrea Soares, Registered Dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching, to get the details on if it’s ever a good idea to take a shot of your favorite oil.

Good news, olive oil fans: Soares says that yes, it’s just fine for most people to enjoy a bit of straight olive oil. She recommends sticking with a high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. “It’s packed with monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like polyphenols, which can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and even aid digestion,” Soares explained.

That being said, you don’t need to drink olive oil in order to enjoy its health benefits. “Just because it’s safe doesn’t mean it’s necessary — or that everyone will tolerate it well,” she said. “Some people might experience mild digestive issues like nausea or diarrhea, especially if they drink too much at once.”

Is drinking olive oil healthier than enjoying it on food?

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Does this mean that you should stop enjoying olive oil on bread and sip it from a shot glass instead? Probably not, Soares said. While drinking it straight offers a higher concentration of oil that can help you better absorb some of its beneficial components, there are tons of advantages of enjoying olive oil on food. “On the flip side, when you eat it with food — especially veggies — you also increase absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K from the food itself,” she said. “Plus, using olive oil on salads or roasted veggies makes the meal more enjoyable, flavorful, and balanced.”

No matter how you like to get your daily dose, it’s important to be sure you’re buying a high-quality brand of olive oil that you love. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re storing your olive oil properly, keeping it away from light and heat. Be sure to check your oil for spoilage every once in a while by giving it a good sniff — if it starts to smell waxy (or have an unpleasant, bitter taste), it’s time to buy a new bottle.