Extra virgin olive oil can help with digestion in a number of ways. The healthy fats and antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can be beneficial for people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Extra virgin olive oil may also help to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which are necessary for the proper breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food. This can be especially helpful for people with conditions like gallbladder disease or pancreatic insufficiency, which can impair the body’s ability to produce these digestive substances.
In addition, extra virgin olive oil has a mild laxative effect, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. However, it’s important to note that consuming too much olive oil can have the opposite effect and lead to diarrhea.
Overall, incorporating extra virgin olive oil into a healthy and balanced diet can be beneficial for digestive health. However, it’s important to consume it in moderation, as it is high in calories and fat.