Doctors warn against using too much olive oil despite health benefits

Olive oil is often recommended for weight loss and a healthy lifestyle because it contains heart-friendly unsaturated fats and antioxidants. However, medical experts warn that consuming too much of it can cause health problems. Dr K. Seshi Kiran from Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad and Dr Manjusha Agarwal from Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai point out that a single tablespoon of olive oil has about 120 calories. Eating large amounts can lead to unexpected weight gain and upset your stomach. Dr Agarwal explains that people can experience bloating, loose stools, or stomach discomfort if they consume too much olive oil at once. Dr Kiran adds that drinking it on an empty stomach can lead to nausea or diarrhoea. Certain people need to be extra careful. Those who have irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder disease, or conditions that cause diarrhoea are more sensitive to large amounts of fat. Patients taking medicines for diabetes or high blood pressure should also be cautious, as olive oil can boost the effects of these drugs. Experts suggest keeping intake to one to two tablespoons, which is 15 to 30 millilitres, of extra virgin olive oil per day. They also stress that olive oil should replace unhealthier fats like butter and ghee, rather than being added on top of your current diet.