Olive oil is a key component o
f the Mediterranean diet, and there’s been plenty of research that demonstrates the benefits of olive oil, in particular extra virgin olive oil, for heart health. This includes its ability to reduce blood pressure and improve healthy cholesterol levels, both of which contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease. A large review of some of these studies demonstrated how olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat that’s been associated with a reduced risk of both stroke and heart disease.