In this eye-opening episode, I am joined by renowned olive oil expert Dr. Rod Mailer to uncover the shocking truths behind one of the most misunderstood ingredients in our kitchens: olive oil.
Together, we explore the science, sourcing, and scandals behind olive oil—what it really means when a bottle says “extra virgin,” how processing and storage impact its quality, and why so much of what we buy may not be what it claims to be. We also dive into the science of why seed oils—like canola, soybean, and sunflower—pose serious health risks, and how they’ve infiltrated modern diets to a dangerous degree. Whether you’re a health-conscious consumer or just want to know what’s actually in your food, this episode will change the way you think about fat.
About Dr. Rod Mailer:
Dr. Rodney Mailer is a leading expert in olive oil quality and production, instrumental in developing Australia’s olive oil industry. He founded and led the Australian Oils Research Laboratory and has worked globally to combat adulteration and ensure authenticity in extra virgin olive oil. Dr. Mailer continues to help shape international standards for edible oils through his roles with the International Standards Organisation, Codex Alimentarius, and Standards Australia.
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Topics discussed:
00:00:08: The harmful effects of seed oils
00:01:35: Misinformation via social media
00:02:56: Why are seed oils killing us?
00:09:51: Why fry in seed oil and not olive oil?
00:17:50: How olive oil is manufactured
00:19:33: Different types of olives
00:23:01: Olive oil tasting
00:25:24: The controversy of the olive oil industry
00:28:09: Cold pressed olive oil
00:35:00: Which oil to buy in Australia
00:37:11: Storage and shipment issues
00:38:36: What to look for in the supermarket
00:41:12: What makes olive oil bad?
00:44:10: The importance of the manufacturer
00:45:09: Labeling discrepancies of olive oil
00:49:38: Anything can sell on Amazon
00:51:01: Unknowing blending of oils
00:53:27: Consuming olive oil for longevity
00:54:52: Clinical epidemiology
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I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics.
My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention.
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