Olive oil is not a traditional cooking oil in most Indian homes. Its reputation comes largely from its place in the Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with better heart health. On social media, that reputation has helped turn it into a supposed magic bullet for heart health and metabolism. Some now suggest drinking a spoonful before a meal to prevent a rise in blood glucose. A recent mouse study has renewed interest in this practice.

Researchers gave mice olive oil 15 minutes before glucose and compared their response with mice receiving water first or oil afterward. Mice given oil first had a smaller early rise in blood glucose. Other dietary fats produced similar responses, suggesting that the effect was not exclusive to olive oil.

Most carbohydrate is absorbed in the small intestine. Fat slows stomach emptying, so food reaches the intestine over a longer period. Glucose then enters the blood more gradually.…