Olive Oil: A Closer Look at Its Composition, Health Benefits and Clinical Uses

Abstract

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) sits at the heart of the Mediterranean diet, and people have
studied it inside and out for its nutrition and healing powers. It’s packed with monounsaturated
fats and a mix of polyphenols, which give it strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, heartprotective, and brain-boosting effects. This review pulls together what we know right now
about olive oil—what’s in it, how it works in the body, how it’s used in medicine, and whether
it’s safe. It plays a real role in lowering heart disease risk, improving metabolism, shaping the
immune system, and even guarding against diseases like Alzheimer’s. There’s also new
research hinting it fights cancer and supports gut health. Looking ahead, the next steps include
customizing nutrition, isolating the most potent compounds, creating new supplements, and
running long-term clinical studies.