Critics of the Keto diet point to the fact that people following the diet often eat an abundance of saturated fats from low quality refined vegetable oils, seed oils, animal fats, and highly processed meats such as bacon and sausage therefore increasing their risk of chronic inflammation and disease. Exchanging these for polyunsaturated fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids) and monounsaturated fats from foods like salmon, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados which have all demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects therefore provides healthier alternative fat sources.
There is a significant amount of research that proves the health benefits of consuming a good quality EVOO which is an excellent source of oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid known to prevent heart disease and reduce cholesterol. The monounsaturated fats and polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, and oleocanthal which are abundant in EVOO have been scientifically proven to reduce chronic inflammation, one of the leading cause of diseases of the body and mind and their potent antioxidant properties can also help protect and heal the body against the effects of oxidative stress.