Ask the Expert

Olive Oil & Microbiome

Does EVOO affect the microbiome?

There is growing evidence that an EVOO-rich Mediterranean diet has positive effects on the microbiome. Research in animals and in people shows that EVOO can reduce the amount of bad bacteria, encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by these microorganisms, which has a range of anti-inflammatory effects. This line of research is very new and may help us better understand the beneficial effects of EVOO on a variety of aspects of health and disease.