“Postprandial” means what happens after eating. Researchers can study it by giving the same person similar meals on different days and comparing blood values. This crossover design can observe a short response, but it cannot predict health over years.
In 2015, 25 healthy adults consumed, in random order, a Mediterranean-style meal with or without 10 g of extra virgin olive oil; a second comparison used EVOO or corn oil. Two hours later, some glycaemic and lipid markers differed after the EVOO meal. The study reports an acute response in a small sample. [PubMed — Extra virgin olive oil use is associated with improved post-prandial blood glucose and LDL cholesterol in healthy subjects]
In 2017, another crossover study included 30 people with impaired fasting glucose. Samples taken before lunch and 60 and 120 minutes afterwards showed differences in glucose, insulin and other markers between the meal with 10 g of EVOO and the meal without it. Again, this measured one meal, not diabetes prevention. [PubMed — Extra virgin olive oil improves post-prandial glycemic and lipid profile in patients with impaired fasting glucose]
These results do not establish a therapeutic dose, replace treatment or prove that every EVOO produces the same long-term effect. The whole meal, carbohydrate amount, physical activity, medicines and individual factors matter; people managing blood glucose should follow guidance from qualified health professionals.
The cautious takeaway is culinary: EVOO can be the fat used in a meal with vegetables, pulses, grains and other foods, without turning a laboratory result into a treatment claim. We do not assign undocumented analytical values or clinical effects to our oil. Sources checked on 20 September 2026.