10 Benefits of Olive Oil Before Bed
When is the best time of day to consume olive oil? How much olive oil should you consume per day? And is there an ideal way to consume olive oil?
Olive oil is well known for its numerous health benefits, but what can you do to ensure you get the most out of your olive oil consumption? Let’s explore the answers to these frequently asked questions as we discuss the benefits of olive oil before bed.
How To Incorporate Olive Oil Into Your Diet
Olive oil is extremely versatile, which means working olive oil into your everyday meals isn’t too difficult. You can drizzle it across a fresh green salad or brush it across a vegetable medley to be roasted in the oven. You can dip warm bread into olive oil, concoct a meat marinade made of an olive oil and balsamic vinegar blend, or spread it across a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese. You can even replace butter with olive oil to fry an egg.
When it comes to using olive oil in the kitchen, the possibilities are rather endless. Although, cooking with this staple pantry ingredient is not the only way to take advantage of all the amazing health benefits that olive oil has to offer. Did you know that some people prefer to drink olive oil before bed?
What are the Benefits of Olive Oil Before Bed?
While there is no right or wrong way to consume olive oil, drinking a small amount in the evening is one option that allows you to gain all the benefits of olive oil before bed. What are those benefits and how can olive oil improve your health?
#1 - SLEEP
Olive oil contains melatonin - a natural compound known for its ability to induce sleep. According to ScienceDirect, melatonin is a phytochemical found in olive oil. In particular, ScienceDirect states that extra-virgin olive oil, such as the first cold-pressed, organic, extra-virgin olive oil produced by the Vines & Groves, has more melatonin contents than refined oils.
#2 - BLOOD SUGAR
Your blood sugar levels can impact your quality of sleep. Olive oil works to regulate and stabilize blood glucose levels. Moreover, olive oil specifically works to decrease the body’s glycemic response to high-glycemic foods.
#3 - DIGESTION
If you tend to suffer from constipation, drinking olive oil before bed could be the solution. Olive oil coats the digestive tract and lubricates the bowel. Actually, olive oil is considered a natural relaxant, so one of the benefits of olive oil before bed is improved bowel function the following day.
#4 - WEIGHT LOSS
Drinking olive oil can help you maintain a healthy weight. Olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides, and both of these components contribute to the body’s ability to burn fat and fight off fat accumulation.
#5 - CHOLESTEROL
The monounsaturated fats in olive oil also contribute to cholesterol control. The National Library of Medicine outlines how consuming olive oil can decrease your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase your “good” cholesterol (HDL).
#6 - BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that can lead to stroke and other life-threatening health complications. The National Library of Medicine reports that olive oil has anti-hypertensive properties as a result of its high antioxidant polyphenol and oleic acid content. Therefore, consuming olive oil can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
#7 - HEART
Consuming olive oil can reduce the risk of heart disease, too. A healthy heart begins with healthy blood flow, and olive oil is known to better blood vessel function and prevent blood clots thanks to that antioxidant polyphenol and oleic acid content.
#8 - IMMUNE SYSTEM
Olive oil provides immune support and prevents cellular damage. Once again due to the many antioxidants found in olive oil, incorporating olive oil into your nighttime routine protects your cells from incurring damage brought on by free radicals.
#9 - INFLAMMATION
The phenolic compounds and antioxidants in olive oil produce anti-inflammatory effects. Harvard Medical School states that one particular antioxidant in olive oil - oleocanthal - has the same effect as anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
#10 - DISEASES/CANCER
Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of a multitude of health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and even cancer. When you work to lower your inflammation levels by consuming olive oil, you are supporting your long-term health and wellbeing.
How Much Olive Oil Before Bed Is Adequate?
When it comes to olive oil, a little bit goes a long way. You do not need to drink or consume a large amount of olive to see the benefits of olive oil before bed. In fact, some people notice a difference in their health with an amount as small as 1 - 2 tablespoons of olive oil per day. Others choose to consume up to 3 - 4 tablespoons a day. If incorporating olive oil into your diet is a new endeavor, remember to:
Find what works best for you. If you want to drink your olive oil, consider making a bedtime beverage by adding it to water or juice. If drinking olive oil is not for you, that’s okay as well. Incorporate it into your everyday meals, instead.
Be consistent. Consistency is everything. Olive oil consumption can be compared to an exercise routine. You have to be regular and consistent with your efforts to see tangible change.
Start small. You can build up to your desired daily intake amount. In fact, that’s recommended.
Which Type of Olive Oil is Best?
Not all olive oils are created equal. To gain the benefits of olive oil before bed, not just any kind of olive oil will do. You need to select a high quality olive oil that is manufactured in a way that preserves the naturally-occuring, nutrient-rich compounds of olives.
You will get the most nutritional value from an olive oil that is:
- First cold-pressed
- Extra-virgin
- Organic
Here at the Vines & Groves, every single type of olive oil we produce meets all three of these standards. Additionally, our olive oils are derived from olives grown in our family-owned groves located in California's Central Valley.
If you are looking to switch up the flavor of your evening olive oil consumption, consider one of the Vines & Groves infused olive oils:
- Rosemary Infused Olive Oil
- Hot Pepper Infused Olive Oil
- Blood Orange Infused Olive Oil
- Lemon Infused Olive Oil
- Basil Infused Olive Oil
- Garlic Infused Olive Oil