Good Field Oil For Heart Health, But Not For Drink!

Illustration of olive oil (Healthshots)

JAKARTA - Olive oil, especially pure olive oil, is known to have various health benefits, such as maintaining heart health, regulating cholesterol levels, easing inflammation, and increasing digestive function. But the benefits can be felt optimally not by drinking.

According to Aderet Dana Hoch, RD, a registered dietist and founder of Dining with Nature, these benefits can be obtained without having to consume large amounts of olive oil directly. He explained that the benefits of olive oil can be felt by adding them into balanced food or food.

Zenker, RD, a dietist from Everflex Fitness, explains that the content of single unsaturated fat, antioxidants, and polyphenols in olive oil has a positive effect on gut microbiomes. In addition, these elements are also beneficial for skin health, maintain cell membrane integrity, and help absorb nutrients that are dissolved in fat.

However, Zenker stressed that direct consumption of olive oil is not the best way to get these benefits.

The trend of drinking olive oil directly was also not recommended by Maddie Pasquariello, RD, founder of Nutrition With Maddie. According to him, diets that include a variety of nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, are more effective in supporting the health of the body as a whole.

He also reminded that a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, has an important role in maintaining the balance of the body's digestive function and metabolism.

Zenker reminded that excessive consumption of olive oil can cause digestive disorders, such as diarrhea or nausea. People who have conditions such as acid reflux or bile biological problems should be more careful because high-fat foods, including olive oil, because the risk can worsen their symptoms.

Instead of consuming olive oil directly, experts suggest using it as part of everyday cooking, such as salad sauce, laceman spice, or as a complement to fresh bread.

In addition, olive oil can be an additional sauce for snacks, nuts, seeds, fish, and avocados, which can be a better alternative because it provides more complete nutritional content than olive oil.

Hoch added that olive oil is best consumed as part of a balanced complete diet. The combination of various nutrients in food will help the body's absorption and digestion more optimally.

By appropriately utilizing olive oil, you can enjoy the health benefits without the risk of side effects that may arise.