Why Most Olive Oil Isn’t What You Think (and How to Find the Real Thing)

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. *** Subscribe to The Neuroscience Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Fatty15: Get 15% off your 90-day Starter Kit when you visit www.fatty15.com/neuro | Code: NEURO Boncharge: www.boncharge.com | Code: NEURO15 Branch Basics: www.branchbasics.com to shop their Premium Starter Kit and save 15% | Code: NEURO Ketone IQ: www.ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment MUD\WTR - The coffee alternative. If you're ready to ditch the crash and sip smarter, go to mudwtr.com and use code NEURO to get 43% off + free shipping. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — 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. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices