Experts advise using extra virgin olive oil for health and cost benefits

9 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 26

Experts including Lisa Howard and Dr Sammie Gill highlight that extra virgin olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, offers significant cardiometabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits, with UK prices ranging from £5.49 to £25 per bottle.
They recommend limiting saturated fats like coconut and palm oil, and suggest cold-pressed rapeseed oil as a cost-effective, neutral-flavored alternative. Most health claims for coconut oil are based on unavailable formulations.
Experts stress that unsaturated oils should be stored away from light and heat, and that variety in oil types is less important than consistently choosing unsaturated options for balanced nutrition and vitamin absorption.

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