TV personality Choi Hwa-jung revealed a special gift she received from actor Song Joong-ki and his wife, Katy Louise Saunders.
In a video uploaded to her YouTube channel, Hello, I'm Choi Hwa-jung, Choi demonstrated several recipes using Greek yogurt and olive oil. As she prepared cilbir—a traditional Turkish dish of poached eggs served over Greek yogurt—Choi said, "Song Joong-ki gave me this olive oil."
"It's so precious that I usually take a spoonful on an empty stomach," she said. "But today, I'm using it here as a special treat." Choi, who had been using the oil sparingly, praised its distinct flavor as she added it to the dish.
Choi also made frozen yogurt bark by spreading peanut butter and Greek yogurt over mashed bananas and topping the mix with nuts and chocolate. "Yogurt is a high-protein staple among longevity foods," she noted. "It's a great way to start the morning with protein."
Olive oil benefits blood vessels, blood sugar, and weight management
Unsaturated fatty acids, the primary component of olive oil, help lower blood cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals who consumed olive oil regularly—whether in salad dressings, with bread, or in cooking—had a 19% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to those who consumed none. The study, which analyzed dietary and health data from 92,383 participants, also reported a 29% lower mortality rate from neurodegenerative diseases and a 17% lower rate from cancer.
Olive oil can also aid in blood sugar control and weight management. Because fat delays gastric emptying, incorporating a moderate amount of olive oil into carbohydrate-rich meals helps prevent sudden postprandial blood sugar spikes. Fat also enhances satiety, helping reduce overall calorie intake.
High in calories: Caution advised when consumed on an empty stomach
Despite its health benefits, olive oil is energy-dense, providing roughly 9 calories per gram. Rather than adding it to an existing diet, it should replace butter or sauces high in saturated fats.
Individuals with sensitive digestive systems should exercise caution when drinking olive oil on an empty stomach, as it may cause nausea, heartburn, or abdominal bloating. According to a study published in the journal Gut, the stomachs of healthy individuals relaxed and expanded by an average of 221 mL in response to high-fat concentrations, maintaining satiety without discomfort. In contrast, the stomachs of patients with functional dyspepsia expanded by only 114 mL, triggering pain and discomfort even under mild stimulation.
Olive oil is also rich in vitamin E and polyphenols—antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and lower cancer risk.
Choosing low-sugar Greek yogurt
Like olive oil, Greek yogurt is a nutrient-dense food. Consuming it in the morning supplies essential nutrients while promoting satiety. Made by fermenting milk and straining out the liquid whey, Greek yogurt is high in calcium and protein. It also contains probiotics that maintain an acidic gut environment, inhibiting harmful bacteria and fostering beneficial microbes.
Pairing Greek yogurt with apples or blueberries provides dietary fiber and vitamins. However, toppings such as honey, cereal, and granola can rapidly increase sugar and calorie content.
Checking ingredient labels before purchasing is equally important. Some commercial Greek yogurts contain added sugars, modified starches, or stabilizers. While these additives are safe, choosing unsweetened plain options is ideal for those aiming to minimize sugar consumption.
