Researchers tested eight different types of olive oil to understand what makes them healthy. They discovered that all the oils had good quality, but each type had its own unique flavor profile based on special compounds inside. The study found that three specific ingredients in olive oil—squalene, a plant sterol called γ-sitosterol, and vitamin E—are the real heroes fighting inflammation in your body. These findings help explain why olive oil is considered a superfood and could help companies create even healthier olive oil products in the future.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Which ingredients in different olive oil varieties are responsible for reducing inflammation in the body
  • Who participated: Eight different varieties of olive oil were analyzed in laboratory tests using human cells to measure anti-inflammatory effects
  • Key finding: Three natural compounds found in olive oil—squalene, γ-sitosterol, and vitamin E—appear to be the main ingredients that help reduce inflammation by changing how your body’s inflammatory markers work
  • What it means for you: Choosing olive oil may help reduce inflammation in your body, though more human studies are needed to confirm the exact benefits. Different olive oil varieties may have slightly different health benefits based on their unique ingredient profiles

The Research Details

Scientists examined eight different varieties of olive oil to understand their chemical makeup and health benefits. They tested the oils’ basic properties like color and fatty acid content, identified the unique flavor compounds in each variety, and analyzed the special ingredients that don’t turn into soap when processed (called unsaponifiable matter). The researchers then used human cells in laboratory dishes to test whether these oils could reduce inflammation, and used computer modeling to understand exactly how the beneficial compounds work at the molecular level.

Understanding which specific ingredients in olive oil fight inflammation is important because it helps us know why olive oil is healthy and which varieties might be best for different purposes. This knowledge allows food companies to develop better products and helps consumers make informed choices about which olive oils to buy.

This study used rigorous laboratory methods including chemical analysis and cellular testing. The researchers used advanced techniques like principal component analysis to identify unique flavor profiles and molecular docking to understand how compounds work. However, because this was laboratory research using cells rather than human studies, the results need to be confirmed with actual people before making strong health claims.

What the Results Show

All eight olive oil varieties met the official standards for extra virgin olive oil quality. Each variety had its own unique combination of flavor compounds that made it distinct from the others—like a fingerprint that scientists could use to identify which type of oil it was. The research identified three key ingredients responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects: squalene, γ-sitosterol (a plant-based compound similar to cholesterol), and vitamin E. These compounds appear to work by changing inflammatory markers in human cells, essentially telling your body to calm down its inflammatory response.

The study revealed that different olive oil varieties have different levels of these beneficial compounds, which means some varieties may be more anti-inflammatory than others. The research also confirmed that cold-pressing olive oil directly from fresh olives preserves these important health-promoting ingredients that might be lost during other processing methods.

This research builds on existing knowledge that olive oil is healthy by identifying the specific ingredients responsible for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Previous studies suggested olive oil was good for you, but this work explains the ‘why’ and ‘how’ at a deeper level, confirming what nutritionists have long recommended about including olive oil in a healthy diet.

This study was conducted in laboratory dishes using human cells, not in actual people, so we can’t be certain the same effects happen in your body. The sample size of eight olive oil varieties is relatively small, so results may not apply to all olive oils available. Additionally, the study doesn’t tell us how much olive oil you’d need to eat to get these anti-inflammatory benefits, or how long you’d need to use it to see results.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, consuming olive oil as part of a balanced diet appears to support your body’s ability to manage inflammation (moderate confidence level). Extra virgin olive oil, especially varieties with higher levels of squalene, γ-sitosterol, and vitamin E, may offer the most benefit. However, this should complement, not replace, other anti-inflammatory strategies like exercise and a balanced diet.

Anyone interested in reducing inflammation through diet should care about these findings, particularly people managing inflammatory conditions. However, people with olive oil allergies or those taking blood-thinning medications should consult their doctor. These findings are most relevant for people looking to optimize their food choices for health benefits.

Anti-inflammatory benefits from dietary changes typically take several weeks to months to become noticeable. You should aim to use olive oil consistently as part of your regular diet for at least 4-8 weeks before expecting to notice potential improvements in inflammation-related symptoms.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily olive oil consumption in milliliters (aim for 1-2 tablespoons daily) and note the variety used, then monitor inflammation-related symptoms like joint stiffness, energy levels, or digestive comfort weekly
  • Replace other cooking oils with extra virgin olive oil in salad dressings and low-heat cooking, and track which varieties you use to identify if certain types make you feel better
  • Create a weekly log noting olive oil intake, variety used, and any changes in inflammation markers you can observe (energy, joint comfort, digestion), reviewing trends monthly to identify patterns

This research was conducted in laboratory settings using cells, not in human subjects. While the findings are promising, they should not be considered medical advice. Olive oil may support overall health as part of a balanced diet, but it is not a treatment or cure for inflammatory conditions. Individuals with specific health concerns, allergies, or those taking medications should consult with their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes. These findings are preliminary and require human clinical trials for confirmation.