Try Two Tablespoons Each Morning — Why This Simple Routine Is Often Connected to Stronger Bones, Relaxed Nerves, and Better Sleep

You may have come across the bold claim online: “Take two tablespoons in the morning and say goodbye to bone discomfort, nerve troubles, cartilage breakdown, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.” It certainly sounds dramatic, almost unbelievable at first glance.

Yet behind the exaggerated headline is a long-standing practice found in many cultures: beginning the day with two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.

It’s not a miracle cure, but there are genuine reasons this simple habit is often linked to better joint comfort, nervous system balance, and overall wellness, especially as people grow older.

So let’s separate the hype from what actually makes sense.

Why Olive Oil Is So Often Mentioned in Health Discussions

Extra-virgin olive oil is among the most researched foods worldwide, largely because of its central role in the Mediterranean diet. It contains:

• Anti-inflammatory polyphenols
• Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Vitamin E
• Natural compounds that assist brain and nerve function

When consumed regularly, even in modest amounts, these nutrients can influence how the body handles inflammation, stress, and cellular recovery.

Bone and Joint Comfort: The First Change Many Notice

Ongoing joint and bone discomfort is frequently connected not just to physical wear, but also to low-level inflammation throughout the body.

Olive oil contains natural anti-inflammatory elements that may help:

• Ease joint stiffness
• Support cartilage maintenance
• Improve joint lubrication

Many people report feeling less stiffness in the morning after weeks of consistent use, not because bones are repaired, but because inflammation has become more controlled.

Supporting Nerves and Muscle Function

Healthy fats are crucial for nerve communication. Much of the nervous system relies on fat-based structures, and diets lacking in quality fats can negatively affect nerve comfort and muscle responsiveness.

Two tablespoons of olive oil provide fats that:

• Help maintain nerve insulation, known as myelin
• Support communication between brain and body
• Encourage muscles to relax instead of staying tense

This may help explain why some people experience fewer tingling sensations or muscle tightness after adding olive oil to their routine.

Cartilage Health and Aging Joints

Cartilage does not have a direct blood supply and depends on nutrients from surrounding tissues, as well as reduced inflammation, to stay healthy.

Although olive oil cannot rebuild cartilage, its natural compounds may slow damage by:

• Lowering oxidative stress
• Supporting fluid balance in joints
• Reducing inflammatory signals that speed up cartilage wear

Here, regular intake matters far more than large amounts.

Mood, Anxiety, and the Brain–Gut Link

One commonly overlooked benefit of olive oil involves brain health.

Healthy fats are vital for producing neurotransmitters, which help regulate mood. Research has connected diets rich in olive oil with:

• Fewer symptoms linked to depression
• Better emotional balance
• Reduced anxiety responses

This is not the same as taking medication, but rather nutritional support that allows the brain to function more effectively.

Sleep Improvements and Nervous System Relaxation

Many people who begin this habit report sleeping better. This isn’t because olive oil acts as a sedative, but because:

• Blood sugar levels tend to stabilize
• Evening stress hormone levels may become more balanced
• The nervous system receives essential fat-based nutrients

When the nervous system feels calmer, sleep often becomes deeper and more restorative.

How People Usually Take It

Those who follow this practice typically:

• Consume one to two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in the morning
• Take it plain or mix it with a little lemon juice
• Pair it with breakfast instead of consuming it on an empty stomach if digestion is sensitive

Any noticeable effects usually appear gradually over several weeks rather than immediately.

What This Habit Does Not Do

It’s important to be clear. Olive oil will not cure diseases, replace prescribed treatments, or instantly eliminate pain, anxiety, or sleep problems.

What it can do is support the body’s natural healing and regulatory processes in a steady, safe way.

The True Takeaway

The value of this routine isn’t simply in the two tablespoons themselves. It’s in consistently providing the body with gentle, daily nourishment.

When the body receives the nutrients it needs, inflammation can ease, nerves function more calmly, joints move with greater comfort, and mental wellbeing often improves alongside physical health.

Not a miracle.
Not magic.
Just straightforward nutrition doing what it has always done best when we give it the chance.