Diet gun

Olive oil is one of the healthiest sources of fat in the Mediterranean diet.

Especially extra virgin olive oil has been shown to offer benefits to the cardiovascular system, helps control cholesterol and has a mild laxative effect which is mainly based on its high content in monounsaturated fatty acids and its lubricating property, functioning as a natural stool softener, facilitating their movement through the large intestine.

Olive oil has the property of settling on the inner surface of the intestine, softening the stool and reducing its friction with the intestine.

A study in patients with chronic renal failure who were undergoing hemodialysis showed that daily administration of 4 to 6 mL of olive oil for 1 month significantly improved functional constipation by reducing the hard consistency of the stool, pressure during defecation and the feeling of obstruction in the final part of the intestine.

The results of the research were almost equivalent to those of mineral oil, which is used as a laxative for cases of constipation. Also, olive oil is a food fully compatible with the physiology of the body, unlike mineral oil, which comes from petroleum derivatives and is not absorbed by the intestinal mucosa.

If we suffer from mild or moderate constipation, olive oil offers a safe non-pharmaceutical solution that has long-term results and does not create addiction like pharmaceutical products.

Mild to moderate constipation can occur if we have a poor diet without adding fiber to our meals (fruits, vegetables, legumes), a sedentary lifestyle without sports activity, and if we do not have proper hydration.

In addition to cooked olive oil in our daily diet, raw olive oil can also be consumed, e.g. 1 teaspoon (5 ml) plain in the morning or a larger amount on our vegetables or salads at our meals.

Intake of large amounts of olive oil can cause an increase in blood glucose levels and should be avoided if we have diabetes.

Source of the article, 1, 2