Taking 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil before bed may be one of the most powerful nightly habits you can adopt for your overall health. Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, this golden oil supports the cardiovascular system by reducing arterial plaque buildup, improving circulation, balancing cholesterol, and lowering inflammation—key factors in preventing heart disease. Its potent polyphenols and antioxidants not only protect cells from oxidative stress but also nourish and protect the brain, helping to prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s while supporting cognitive function and mental clarity. At night, this simple shot also stimulates bile production, aiding digestion, relieving constipation, and helping the intestines move food more smoothly. It may also help reduce nighttime acid reflux and bloating. Additionally, extra virgin olive oil helps regulate glucose and insulin levels, supporting blood sugar balance, while its skin-enhancing nutrients work from the inside out to hydrate and promote a healthy, radiant glow. This ancient remedy does more than just heal—it rejuvenates and protects your body as you sleep.
Extra virgin olive oil has so many health benefits.
I always preach that drinking extra virgin olive oil
first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
can do wonderful things for our body
as it boosts metabolism, it aids digestion,
it helps regulate our appetite, it gives us satiety.
Yes, it helps our brain function as well as our skin.
It gives us lots of energy as well as helping our liver.
But physiologically, taking a shot,
only about one to two tablespoons before you go to bed
has different physiological changes in our body
and that's what I wanna share with you today.
So when you consume a shot of extra virgin olive oil
at bedtime, the monounsaturated fats, mainly oleic acid,
are quickly absorbed into the small intestine
and influences the composition of your cell membranes.
This changes and enhances the membrane fluidity
and impacts various cellular functions overnight.
These healthy fats can aid in reducing systemic inflammation
by lowering the expression of genes
linked to inflammatory processes,
thereby offering protective benefits
to your cardiovascular system during sleep,
a period when your body naturally
undergoes its restorative processes.
And the antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil
as well as the vitamin E and polyphenols
actively work to neutralize
those free radicals in the body.
And during sleep, the body's reparative activities
are heightened and these antioxidants contribute
by preventing oxidative damage to the cells and tissues.
And this process is crucial for maintaining
the integrity of the cells, guarding against diseases,
and promoting healthy aging.
But when it comes to your digestive system,
there's nothing like extra virgin olive oil
because it stimulates bowel production.
It facilitates the emulsification and absorption
of the dietary fats.
And as your digestive system slows down overnight,
this allows for a more gradual
and efficient absorption process,
eating in smoother bowel movements within a normal rhythm.
This can particularly be extremely beneficial
if you're constipated,
as it helps maintain that digestive regularity
by naturally lubricating the intestinal lining.
And in terms of metabolism,
where many people are always looking
to lose those extra pounds,
extra virgin olive oil's energy-rich composition
will slightly raise your metabolic rate
due to its thermogenic properties.
This effect on metabolism overnight
can also promote the breakdown of fat reserves,
aiding in the prevention of excess fat accumulation.
Moreover, this metabolic support can indirectly contribute
to maintaining a healthy body weight.
And if you're having pain in your joints,
in your discs, in your neck, your back,
your knees, your hips,
joint health also benefits from a reduction
in pro-inflammatory markers,
such as interleukins and cytokines,
which can accumulate during periods of inactivity.
This means reducing the stiffness and discomfort
often felt in the morning,
leading to better joint mobility and comfort.
And on a glucose level,
the intake of extra virgin olive oil
will stabilize our blood sugar levels
by slowing the uptake of glucose into the bloodstream,
thus enhancing insulin sensitivity,
helping insulin resistance.
This stability is especially valuable overnight
as it prevents spikes
that can disrupt the hunger-regulating hormones
that reset during sleep.
And chronic inflammation is a critical factor
in cardiovascular disease.
This leads to plaquing of our arteries.
And the anti-inflammatory properties of these antioxidants
and extra virgin olive oil protect your arterial health
by improving the endothelial function
by reducing oxidative stress.
And when we consume that small amount
of that extra virgin olive oil at nighttime,
this enhances these benefits while you sleep,
supporting your body's natural repair processes.
This approach can be very effective
in maintaining healthy arteries
and contribute to overall cardiovascular wellbeing.
And lastly, extra virgin olive oil
enhances cognitive function when we sleep.
It supports neurotransmitter production,
notably serotonin involved in mood regulation.
The calming effects promote
the parasympathetic nervous system,
which is essential for restful sleep,
allowing for mental and physical relaxation.
So here's the bottom line.
Don't ever underestimate the power
of what extra virgin olive oil can do
for the cells of your body.
Remember, drinking just a tablespoon or two
before you go to bed may make all the difference
when it comes to your body healing
and you waking up nice and refreshed.
I hope you enjoyed this video.
Please share it with your friends and family.
Leave your comments below.
And most important, make it a great day.
I'm Dr. Alan Mandel.