We’ve seen some pretty slick wellness fads come and go recently, like the short-lived reign of Oleato beverages: “Starbucks abandons the olive oil coffee that was the brainchild of its former CEO.” The coffee giant cut the infused drinks after consumers reported mixed feelings and painful stomach issues. While mixing cooking oil into espresso brews a polarizing latte, you might wonder if taking it straight offers better results. According to “Should You Take Olive Oil Shots?,” there isn’t much research supporting the idea that an isolated morning dose on an empty stomach enhances the benefits of extra virgin olive oil. However, consistently incorporating a high-quality, high-polyphenol EVOO into your routine may support cardiovascular health, cognition, and cellular maintenance due to its monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. To balance the extra calories, you can look to “Fats That Are Good for You” for guidance on dietary swaps. The guide suggests substituting saturated fats – like butter or beef tallow – with plant-based unsaturated options like olive oil to help lower LDL cholesterol. We previously explored how these ingredients fit into a broader approach in “Modifying the Mediterranean diet for muscle and longevity,” and relying on them to manage inflammation remains a smart strategy for active adults. For a more enjoyable application, try dressing a salad or roasting your vegetables with a robust EVOO, which spares you the trouble of forcing down a greasy morning beverage.

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