Naturally Supports Healthy Platelet Function
Small randomized crossover trials have shown that consuming oleocanthal‑rich Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) can produce acute antiplatelet effects—including measurable reductions in stimulated platelet aggregation within just a few hours. These effects have been observed in healthy men as well as in a small study of individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Evidence also suggests a dose‑dependent response, where higher oleocanthal levels can approach the acute antiplatelet effect of ibuprofen.
Olive oil has long been recognized as a cornerstone of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, and its benefits extend far beyond monounsaturated fats. EVOO contains a remarkable diversity of phenolic antioxidants, including: Tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, Oleuropein, Aglycon, and Oleocanthal (secoiridoids) Lignans.
These compounds are believed to play an important role in EVOO’s cardioprotective properties. Long‑term evidence supports these findings. In a landmark study of older adults at high cardiovascular risk, consuming phenol‑rich EVOO for nearly five years significantly reduced the incidence of primary cardiovascular events. While the exact mechanisms remain under investigation, multiple intervention trials with virgin and extra‑virgin olive oils have consistently demonstrated both antiplatelet and anti‑inflammatory effects. Source: Oleocanthal-rich extra virgin olive oil demonstrates acute antiplatelet effects in healthy men in a randomized trial
