Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Healthy Bones

Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Good For Bone Health?

^{Updated February 20th 2025}

When we think about bone health, we often focus on calcium and vitamin D. But have you considered including extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in your diet? This golden elixir isn’t just a kitchen staple, it’s a nutritional powerhouse packed with compounds that could promote healthier bones. If you’re a health enthusiast or someone looking to optimize your bone health naturally, EVOO deserves a closer look.

This post explores the unique properties of extra virgin olive oil, how much you should consume, and why it’s a fantastic choice for strong, resilient bones.

Antioxidants In EVOO For Bone Health

Antioxidants play a pivotal role in maintaining and improving bone health by reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to bone loss over time. EVOO is rich in powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin E that work to protect and strengthen bones on a cellular level.

Polyphenols, in particular, are compounds found in extra virgin olive oil that fight inflammation—an often-overlooked factor in bone degeneration. Chronic inflammation can lead to bone loss by speeding up the process of bone resorption, where old bone is broken down faster than it’s replaced. Studies have shown that diets rich in antioxidants, such as those in EVOO, may reduce inflammation, improving not only bone health but overall wellness.

Another hero nutrient in EVOO is vitamin E. This fat-soluble antioxidant helps protect bone cells from damage and aids in calcium absorption—a critical mineral for bone strength.

Studies have suggested that the antioxidants in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, may be able to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Plus, EVOO is an excellent source of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in bone health by increasing the absorption of calcium. So, the next time you’re whipping up a salad or sautéing some veggies, drizzle on some extra virgin olive oil for a delicious and bone-healthy touch.

By choosing a high-quality olive oil, rich in antioxidant compounds (or polyphenols) we can arm our bodies against harmful free radicals – the unstable atoms which can increase oxidative stress, damage the body’s cells and lead to a range of diseases.

The antioxidants in high quality, cold pressed, single source extra virgin olive oil such as Morocco Gold are an excellent weapon against the potential harm caused by free radicals.  Because olive oil is high in antioxidants and vitamin E, it provides significant natural protection from oxidative damage.

How Much Olive Oil Should You Consume For Healthy Bones?

While extra virgin olive oil is undeniably beneficial, moderation is key. Consuming too much—even something as healthy as EVOO—can lead to excessive calorie intake.

Research suggests that around one to two tablespoons of EVOO per day is sufficient to reap its bone-boosting benefits. This amount fits seamlessly into a balanced diet, whether you drizzle it over salads, use it as a finishing oil on roasted veggies, or incorporate it into dips like hummus.

It’s also important to alternate your source of healthy fats. Combine your EVOO intake with other nutrient-packed foods like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish to create a well-rounded, bone-supporting diet.

While there isn’t a hard and fast rule, experts recommend incorporating two to three tablespoons of olive oil into your daily diet. This versatile oil can be used in everything from salad dressings to sautéing vegetables, making it easy to work into your meals. Not only can it improve bone health, but it’s also loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet.

Increased consumption of extra virgin olive oil can reduce your chance of osteoporosis related bone fractures, due to the levels of two phenols, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol in Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

There are a number of studies which support the contribution of a high-quality extra virgin olive oil in reduced risk of bone fractures due to the presence of these phenolic compounds. 

Higher Polyphenol Count In Cold Pressed Olive Oils

Not all olive oils are created equal, especially when it comes to bone health. Extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed, meaning it retains a higher polyphenol content compared to refined olive oils. These polyphenols are responsible for many of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make EVOO so effective in maintaining healthy bones.

When choosing an olive oil, always look for the words “extra virgin” and “cold-pressed” on the label. These oils typically have a rich, peppery flavor and a high nutrient density, making them the best option for your bone health. Additionally, go for dark glass bottles or tins to ensure the oil is protected from light, which can reduce its antioxidant potency over time.

Cold Pressed, high quality extra virgin olive oils such as Morocco Gold have a high content of polyphenols, which also help to neutralize free-radicals in your body which can in turn reduce the risk of a range of diseases.

The quality of production is one of the most important factors that contribute to the quality of the oil. This is because it can ensure that the highest possible levels of polyphenol count is preserved in the process.

The high polyphenol content of Morocco Gold Extra Virgin olive oil is dependent on three factors. Firstly, the variety of the olive. Secondly, the climate and terroir of the growing region. Thirdly, the time in the growing season and the harvest of the crop.

The exceptionally high quality of Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil is the result of care and attention to detail throughout the entire production process.

This results in a truly premium quality extra virgin olive oil with a very high polyphenol count and low acidity – a benefit to both the taste and health benefits of the olive oil. In fact, this year’s 2022 Harvest of Morocco Gold has a truly exceptional polyphenol count of 644mg/kg and an acidity level of 0.28% – enviable by any standards!

What Are The Olive Oil Health Benefits For Your Bones?

Besides being a delicious staple in Mediterranean cuisine, EVOO supports bone health in several significant ways:

1. Improved Calcium Absorption

Calcium is the building block of strong bones, but without proper absorption, even high doses of calcium can fall short in preventing bone density loss. EVOO facilitates the body’s ability to absorb calcium effectively, especially when consumed alongside calcium-rich foods.

2. Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a condition marked by weak and brittle bones, affects millions of people worldwide. Studies indicate that EVOO may play a role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis by supporting bone mineralization and density—a major concern for aging adults.

3. Enhanced Bone Remodeling

EVOO contains compounds like oleuropein that promote the bone remodeling process. Bone remodeling is a lifelong cycle where old bone material is replaced with new, maintaining strength and structure.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation negatively impacts your bones by accelerating bone resorption. With its natural anti-inflammatory compounds, EVOO alleviates inflammation, creating a more favorable environment for bone health.

Strong Bone Health Starts With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

In terms of their Extra Virgin Olive Oil intake, the lowest third of the study participants averaged 38 grams of Extra Virgin Olive Oil per day, approximately 3 tablespoons. The middle third averaged nearly 4 tablespoons (48 grams), and the top third averaged about 4.5 tablespoons (57 grams).

Participants in the highest category of Extra Virgin Olive Oil intake reported 51% fewer fractures than participants in the lowest category of Extra Virgin Olive Oil intake. We examined what the outcome for both groups on bone health.

While all of these Extra Virgin Olive Oil intake levels are fairly high. Nevertheless show a link between reduced risk of bone fracture and incorporation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil into an ordinary meal plan. It’s also worth noting that numerous animal studies have shown increased bone formation in rats and mice that were given Extra Virgin Olive Oil in their feeding plan. We tied this to the presence of two phenols, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol in Extra Virgin Olive Oil.