Extra virgin olive oil has been studied for decades, yet we’re still discovering new ways it influences our health, not just through cholesterol or inflammation, but by interacting with the way our genes are expressed. In this episode, we’re separating fact from fiction, exploring the latest science, and explaining why EVOO continues to stand out in nutrition research.
Food Is More Than Calories
One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is that food is more than fuel.
Every meal sends signals throughout the body that influence inflammation, blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health, and even gene expression. While genetics may reveal where someone is more likely to struggle, lifestyle choices determine how those genes are expressed over time.
Susan walks through several genetic pathways she regularly evaluates in practice and explains why extra virgin olive oil repeatedly emerges as a beneficial choice. Whether she’s reviewing markers related to insulin sensitivity, inflammation, cholesterol metabolism, or cardiovascular health, the same recommendation continues to appear.
That doesn’t mean everyone should follow the same diet. It means some foods consistently support healthy biology across many different genetic profiles.
Why Quality Matters
Not all olive oils are created equal.
Susan explains why extra virgin olive oil differs from refined olive oils and why its naturally occurring polyphenols make such a meaningful difference. These plant compounds help support a healthy inflammatory response, protect against oxidative stress, and contribute to healthy blood vessel function.
The episode also clears up one of the most common misconceptions surrounding olive oil: that it shouldn’t be used for cooking. Susan reviews the research behind cooking stability, oxidation, and smoke points, offering practical guidance for choosing and using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with confidence.
Personalized Nutrition Always Wins
Perhaps the most important takeaway from this episode is that there is no single “perfect” diet.
Some people thrive with more carbohydrates, while others do better with fewer. Some respond well to higher amounts of animal protein, while others benefit from emphasizing plant foods. Your genetics, environment, lifestyle, and health history all influence what works best for your body.
Instead of chasing nutrition trends, Susan encourages listeners to focus on the fundamentals and choose foods that consistently support long-term health.
Extra virgin olive oil isn’t presented as a miracle food or a magic solution. It’s one example of how science, genetics, and real-world clinical experience can come together to help people make more informed decisions.
When you understand your unique biology, nutrition becomes less about following rules and more about giving your body the support it needs to thrive.
RESOURCES:
Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes:
Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)
https://healthyawakening.co/2026/07/20/episode133
Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/
Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast
Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links
Learn More about Susan Robbins:
Susan is a retired law enforcement officer and an accomplished Certified Epigenetic Human Performance Coach with a diverse and extensive background in wellness. She began her wellness career in 2015 as a holistic health and stress management coach. Her passion for helping others led her to expand her expertise into epigenetics in 2019, where she discovered the missing piece of the health optimization puzzle: Personalized health.
As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Level 2 Apeiron Zoh Epigenetic Human Performance Coach (DNA), and Certified PH360 Coach through Precision Health Alliance, Susan has developed a unique approach to health and wellness through completely personalized health. She is the proud recipient of the 2023 Precision Health Alliance Coach of the Year award. Susan works with clients to elevate their health and overall quality of life by understanding their unique needs based on their genetic makeup, taking out the guesswork, and getting results.
