People use olive oil in cooking, cosmetics, medicines, soaps, and as fuel for traditional lamps. Olive oil originally came from the Mediterranean, but today it is popular all over the world. Many studies have looked at the health benefits of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil, which is the best type of oil available, is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cellular damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Olive oil is the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. People who consume this diet appear to have a higher life expectancy, including a lower chance of dying from cardiovascular disease, than people who follow other diets.Many studies have looked at the health benefits of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil, which is the best type of oil available, is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cellular damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Olive oil is the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet.