Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi recently highlighted the best oils for cooking when it comes to gut health. Topping his list is extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), which he describes as highly beneficial due to its richness in monounsaturated fats. These fats are known to improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. EVOO has a relatively low smoke point, making it ideal for light to medium-heat cooking.
Dr. Vikas Jindal, a gastroenterology consultant at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, agreed with Dr. Sethi. He added that EVOO is packed with oleic acid and polyphenols, which are plant-based antioxidants. These compounds help lower inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive system. According to him, such nutrients support the gut by protecting the intestinal lining, encouraging the growth of good bacteria, and lowering the risk of digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).