
Olive Oil “Trash” Is a “Treasure” For Your Health
You probably know that olive oil is a superstar ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.
Its health benefits range from supporting heart health to reducing inflammation and protecting against certain cancers.
But you know how they say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure?
Well, in the case of a waste product from olive oil production, that’s turning out to be absolutely true!
Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a dark, bitter liquid produced while washing and crushing olives to extract olive oil.
This liquid has been considered waste for years—bad for the environment and costly to dispose of. But new research is turning that thinking on its head.
It turns out that OMW contains many of the same bioactive compounds that give olive oil its health-boosting properties.
In fact, some studies suggest that OMW contains these compounds—like phenols, flavonols, and anthocyanins—in much higher concentrations than olive oil. It might even be better at fighting oxidative stress, the key driver behind inflammation and diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity!
Virgin olive oil contains just two percent of the phenols found in fresh olives, while OMW can contain as much as 53 percent! That’s a huge difference when it comes to antioxidant power.
And believe it or not, some companies are already bottling OMW as a health tonic. It’s being sold as a shot to help people easily access its potent health benefits.
Now, if you’re worried about the taste—you’re not alone. With all its bioactive compounds, OMW isn’t exactly going to win any flavor awards. But, sometimes the most potent health foods don’t taste the best—and OMW could be another one of those cases.
If drinking OMW doesn’t sound appealing, there’s another option. Food manufacturers are exploring ways to extract the valuable compounds from the olive oil byproduct and add them to other foods. This could boost the nutritional value of common foods and even help extend their shelf life.
And it’s not just about food. OMW has shown potential as an eco-friendly pesticide, helping farmers kill weeds and harmful microorganisms without damaging crops. Talk about a multi-tasking powerhouse!
Undoubtedly, OMW is entering an interesting space—somewhere between a food and a supplement. Its future might depend on how well it can be marketed, and if people can get past the taste to access the health benefits.
What’s clear is that, as the population grows and the demand for nourishing foods rises, we need to challenge our beliefs about what we consider “waste” in food production. Just like with OMW, the benefits could help reshape the future of health and nutrition.
P.S. Olive oil compound WOWS researchers. Get the details here.
Source:
Foti, P., Romeo, F. V., Russo, N., Pino, A., Vaccalluzzo, A., Caggia, C., & Randazzo, C. L. Olive Mill Wastewater as Renewable Raw Materials to Generate High Added-Value Ingredients for Agro-Food Industries. Applied Sciences, 11(16), 7511.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Break Free from Back Pain NATURALLY
“I’m having lower back pain on both my left and right side. They have tried steroid injections, physical therapy, and dry needle injections and nothing seems to work. Any ideas that you might suggest?” —Still Aching Dear Aching, It’s incredibly frustrating when conventional pain treatments don’t provide the relief you’re seeking. When my patients struggle...
This Afternoon Beverage Break SLASHES Diabetes Risk
If you’re like most folks (and certain newsletter-writing doctors), you probably reach for another cup of coffee when the afternoon slump hits. Well, new research suggests switching your afternoon beverage choice could do more than keep you alert… it could shield you from type 2 diabetes. In fact, this simple drink swap could slash your...
Nightly "Brainwashing" Protects Your Memory
Think skipping sleep is no big deal? Think again. Groundbreaking research reveals that deep sleep does more than just help you feel refreshed. Another CRITICAL memory-preserving process is taking place behind the scenes. But here’s the concerning part… If you’re taking a sleeping pill, you might be blocking this crucial step. Here’s what you need...
The “Harmless” Additive DESTROYS Your Brain
Ever wonder why ice cream stays creamy in the freezer? Or why peanut butter doesn’t separate? The answer is emulsifiers—common food additives that manufacturers love. However, new research suggests these “harmless” ingredients could be causing serious brain damage. And they’re hiding in more foods than you can imagine… A disturbing new study published in Brain,...
One Move Adds 5 YEARS to Your Life
Believe it or not, the fountain of youth might be closer than you think… A groundbreaking study reveals that a simple activity you’ve been doing since you were a toddler could add YEARS to your life. And the best part? It won’t cost you a dime… New research published in the British Journal of Sports...
Walking Trick Reveals Your Fitness Level
We count on doctors to tell us how healthy we are. They take our blood pressure, listen to our hearts, and send us out for blood work to get the answer. But there’s something else you can do anytime you want to know your fitness level: walk a mile. That’s right, this simple activity you...
This Diet Trick Could Protect Your Brain for LIFE
You know the saying, “You are what you eat”? Well, when it comes to your brain, it’s more accurate than you think… New research suggests that a Mediterranean diet—an ancient way of eating that prioritizes whole, nutrient-dense foods—may protect your brain’s white matter. And that’s a big deal because white matter is critical in keeping...
Mailbag: The REAL Reason You Can’t Lose Weight
“Why can’t I lose 10 pounds? I tried many versions of diets. Low Carb, intermittent fasting, etc.” Struggling to Slim Down Dear Struggling, Losing weight, especially when we’re past our 20s, can be frustrating. A muscle mass issue is most likely the culprit behind those struggles to slim down. You see, as we age, we...
Can Eating at the RIGHT Time Protect You from Diabetes?
When it comes to managing your health, when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Now, a growing body of research shows that time-restricted eating (TRE), or intermittent fasting, may improve several markers of health… Particularly for people with metabolic syndrome. Before we dive into the benefits of time-restricted eating, let’s...
Could This Gut Bug Help Curb Your Sweet Tooth?
Yesterday, I warned you about the devastating health impact of sugary drinks (if you missed that, CLICK HERE to catch up). Well, in honor of Groundhog’s Day, I will to talk about sugar AGAIN today. Because if you’ve ever found yourself unable to resist that second (or third) cookie, you’re not alone. Our bodies are...