The beneficial effects of olive oil come from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Crandall. Inflammation in the body is a main cause of cancer and heart disease. In addition, olive oil has been found to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, which contributes to the development of heart disease.
So, people who eat a Mediterranean diet that includes olive oil live longer, have less heart disease, have less mental illness, and have less cancer throughout their life, says Crandall, editor of the popular newsletter Dr. Crandall's Heart Health Report.