What are side effects of olive oil?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 15, 2026
Up to 1 liter of extra-virgin olive oil weekly has been used safely as part of a Mediterranean-style diet for up to 5.8 years. Olive oil is usually well-tolerated. It might cause nausea in a small number of people. Olive leaf extract is possibly safe when used appropriately.
Does olive oil have any side effects?
The monounsaturated fats in olive oil offer several health benefits. However, excess consumption of olive oil may cause several side effects. It may cause acne, allergies, skin rashes, blackheads, and saturated- and trans-fat-related diseases. It may also cause diarrhea and inflammation in some people.Is olive oil harmful?
Olive oil is extremely healthy. It's not only loaded with beneficial fatty acids and powerful antioxidants but also a dietary staple for some of the world's healthiest populations. However, many people believe that it's unsuitable for cooking due to its unsaturated fat content.Is it OK to take olive oil everyday?
As a general rule of thumb, between one and two tablespoons a day is a good amount of olive oil to consume. This goes for both olive oil that you drink for health benefits and also olive oil that you consume with food as part of your regular cooking process.Can olive oil clog your arteries?
Caldwell Esselstyn points out, “Between 14 and 17 percent of olive oil is saturated, artery-clogging fat—every bit as aggressive in promoting heart disease as the saturated fat in roast beef.”Olive Oil Benefits, Uses and Side Effects
Is 1 tablespoon of olive oil a day good?
Optimum Daily IntakeAccording to the US FDA, our daily intake of monounsaturated fatty acids should be at least around 17.5 grams, which is about 1.5 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. So consume a tablespoon of olive oil daily, instead of cooking with it.
When should you not use olive oil?
When to skip olive oil: If you're cooking over high heat, don't choose olive oil. Olive oil has a lower smoke point-the point at which an oil literally begins to smoke (olive oil's is between 365° and 420°F)-than some other oils.Can olive oil upset my stomach?
Many people are surprised to learn that the common cooking ingredient olive oil can actually prompt acid reflux symptoms. Like other oils, olive oil has a high in fat content and can cause the lower esophageal sphincter or LES to relax, leading to heartburn and acid reflux.Does olive oil cause inflammation?
Extra virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation, which may be one of the main reasons for its health benefits. Olive oil's main anti-inflammatory effects are from antioxidants, one of which is oleocanthal. This antioxidant has been shown to work like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.Does olive oil affect blood pressure?
According to recent research published in the journal Nutrients, consuming extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can lower your systolic blood pressure—or the “top” number of a blood pressure reading that is important in determining your risk of heart disease.Does olive oil heal the gut?
Gut healingAntioxidants in extra virgin olive oil, known as polyphenols, act as prebiotics in the gut. This means that they make a healthier microbiome. Specifically, olive oil antioxidants increase the number and type of healthy bacteria in the gut [R].
How much olive oil is too much?
Since one tablespoon of olive oil provides 13.5 grams of total fat, consuming four tablespoons a day would rack up 54 grams, which accounts for a large portion of your allotment, even if you cut out all other sources of fat in your diet.Can olive oil give you gas?
Side Effects of Olive OilOlive oil is known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating.