Imagine taking a golden spoon, dipping it into a bottle of rich, green olive oil, and swallowing it—again and again—for ten days straight. Not drizzled on a salad. Not cooked with vegetables. Just pure, liquid olive oil.
That’s exactly what Dr. Sten Ekberg, a holistic doctor and former Olympic decathlete, decided to do: 100 tablespoons of olive oil in just ten days. The result? It wasn’t what anyone expected. Some called it crazy, others called it genius. But what actually happened to his body—and what could it mean for yours?
Let’s walk through this unusual experiment, what the science says about olive oil, and the surprising lessons it reveals about fat, metabolism, and aging gracefully.
Why Would Anyone Drink Olive Oil Straight?
Olive oil has long been praised as the heart of the Mediterranean diet—a diet famous for longevity, glowing skin, and strong hearts. But drinking it by the spoonful? That’s a level few dare to try.
Dr. Ekberg’s goal wasn’t to shock his audience—it was to test how his body would respond to an extreme dose of one of the world’s healthiest fats. Could it boost energy? Improve cholesterol? Or would it overload his system with calories and fat?
Before the experiment, he measured his body fat, blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation markers. Then, he began taking 10 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil every day for ten days—on top of his normal food intake.
The results, as he later revealed, were more intriguing than anyone expected. But before we dive into what happened, let’s understand what makes olive oil so special in the first place.
The Secret Power Hidden in Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t just fat—it’s functional nutrition. It’s rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (especially oleic acid) and powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. These compounds are known to support cardiovascular health, reduce oxidative stress, and help the body manage inflammation.
It also contains vitamin E, which nourishes the skin, and compounds like oleocanthal—sometimes called “nature’s ibuprofen” for its anti-inflammatory potential.
But could too much of a good thing backfire? Dr. Ekberg was about to find out.
The 10-Day Olive Oil Challenge: What Happened
During the ten days, he consumed roughly 13,000 calories just from olive oil—about 1,300 extra calories per day.
Many expected weight gain, sluggishness, or digestion issues. Instead, what happened surprised almost everyone.
His blood sugar stayed stable. His cholesterol profile improved slightly. His triglycerides—often linked to heart disease risk—remained low. And despite consuming massive amounts of fat, he didn’t gain noticeable weight.
Why? The body, it turns out, processes healthy fats differently than sugars or refined carbohydrates.
The Science Behind the Experiment
When you eat fat—especially the kind found in extra virgin olive oil—your body releases hormones that promote satiety and slow digestion. This prevents sugar spikes, cravings, and the fat storage cycle triggered by insulin.
In simple terms, Dr. Ekberg’s body didn’t panic. Instead, it adapted—burning fat more efficiently for fuel.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting: olive oil might not just prevent damage—it may also repair it.
7 Unexpected Benefits Observed During the Experiment
7. A Noticeable Boost in Energy
Fat is the body’s most efficient energy source. Unlike quick-burning carbs, fats like olive oil provide steady fuel for hours. Dr. Ekberg reported feeling sustained energy without the mid-afternoon crashes that often come with high-carb diets.
This aligns with research showing that healthy fats support mitochondrial function—the tiny “engines” in your cells that power your body.
6. Reduced Cravings and Hunger
Even with 1,300 extra calories per day, Dr. Ekberg didn’t feel bloated or constantly hungry. Olive oil triggers the release of hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK), which signal fullness to your brain.
This may help explain why Mediterranean populations, who use olive oil generously, often maintain healthy body weight despite higher fat intake.
5. Better Skin and Joint Comfort
Several people who have tried similar olive oil regimens report glowing skin and reduced joint stiffness. That’s likely due to olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and collagen-supporting compounds.
Mary, 64, who added 2 tablespoons daily to her diet, said, “My knees stopped creaking, and my skin looked smoother within weeks.”
4. Improved Digestion and Gut Health
At first, you might think that much oil would upset your stomach—but extra virgin olive oil can actually support gut health. It helps stimulate bile production, aiding fat digestion, and may help maintain a balanced microbiome thanks to its polyphenols.
Some even describe it as a natural “lubricant” for the digestive system.
3. Stable Blood Sugar and Insulin Response
Here’s where things get fascinating: despite the calorie overload, Dr. Ekberg’s blood sugar didn’t spike. Olive oil slows the absorption of carbohydrates and improves insulin sensitivity—a key factor in preventing type 2 diabetes.
This benefit alone could make it a hidden ally for people over 50 managing blood sugar balance.
2. Lower Inflammation Markers
Inflammation is the silent enemy behind aging, joint pain, and chronic disease. Olive oil’s polyphenols—especially oleocanthal—have been shown to reduce inflammatory pathways in the body.
Dr. Ekberg’s markers for inflammation didn’t rise; in fact, they improved slightly after the experiment.
1. A Healthier Relationship with Fat
Perhaps the most profound result was psychological: realizing that fat isn’t the enemy. For decades, people feared dietary fat, believing it clogs arteries and causes weight gain. But this experiment suggests that the right kind of fat—natural, unprocessed, and antioxidant-rich—can be your ally in longevity.
And yes, the results were powerful—but Dr. Ekberg also emphasized one thing: moderation still matters.
Olive Oil at a Glance
| Type | Main Compounds | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Polyphenols, oleic acid | Anti-inflammatory, heart health |
| Pure Olive Oil | Refined, less antioxidants | Neutral flavor, basic cooking |
| Cold-Pressed | Highest nutrient retention | Best for raw use or drizzling |
How Much Is Too Much?
Of course, 100 tablespoons in 10 days isn’t a recommendation—it was an experiment. A more practical approach for everyday use looks like this:
| Method | Daily Amount | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Add-On | 1–2 tablespoons | Drizzle over salad or vegetables |
| Heart Support | 2–3 tablespoons | Use with lemon water or as a dip |
| Skin & Joint Support | 1 tablespoon | Mix with herbs or consume plain |
Experts generally suggest up to 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day as part of a balanced diet.
“But Won’t It Make Me Gain Weight?”
That’s a fair question—and it’s where most people hesitate. But the key lies in substitution, not addition. Replacing refined oils, butter, or sugary dressings with olive oil can reduce inflammation and support metabolism—without adding “empty” calories.
Dr. Ekberg’s results suggest that the body handles real, nutrient-dense fats differently from processed ones. It uses them, rather than stores them.
The Takeaway: What This Experiment Really Means
Dr. Ekberg’s olive oil challenge wasn’t about excess—it was about exploring the limits of how healthy fats affect the human body. And the lesson is clear: fat isn’t your enemy; inflammation is.
Olive oil, in its purest form, may help your body fight inflammation, support heart health, stabilize energy, and even slow the visible signs of aging.
But like all good things, balance is key. A tablespoon or two a day might be all it takes to unlock many of the same benefits—without going to extremes.
So, if you’re staring at that bottle of golden oil in your kitchen, maybe it’s time to see it not just as a cooking ingredient, but as one of nature’s most potent elixirs of vitality.
Because sometimes, the simplest foods hold the most surprising power.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
