Compared to other (edible) plant-based oils, olive oil has the highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve cholesterol levels.

Olive oil also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to protect against certain diseases.

Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and has been prized for over 5,000 years for its numerous health benefits.

But did you know your genetics can play a role in determining how your body responds to olive oil and other dietary fats?

One genetic variation that can affect how your body responds to olive oil is a variant in the APOA2 gene.

APOA2 determines how well you process saturated fats as well as how well you transport cholesterol, which helps normalize cholesterol levels.

This variant has been linked to increased sensitivity to monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, which can reduce triglyceride levels.

For everyone…

A spoonful of olive oil per day can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet, but the appropriate amount of olive oil to consume per day can vary depending on individual factors such as age, sex, and overall health. The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 2 tablespoons of olive oil per day as part of a healthy diet.

No specific time of day is considered the best for consuming olive oil, but it is best to incorporate it as part of a balanced and healthy diet. Some people prefer to take it in the morning as it can provide energy and a sense of satiety, while others like to take it at night as it can be beneficial for digestion.

Olive oil positively impacts cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. It may also have a beneficial effect on kidney health. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to understand the underlying mechanisms.

It’s important to note that while olive oil may have health benefits, it is high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Also, olive oil alone cannot “clear” the arteries, dissolve blood clots, or cure any disease.

What do your genetics have to say about how your body may respond to olive oil?

Get the scoop on you with SNiP’s actionable DNA panel, which includes testing for APOA2 variants and more.

See all the genes we test to analyze your unique nutritional needs here.