UTMB’s Victor Sierpina discusses the rising popularity of olive oil in the American diet. American’s are now using 10 times the amount used just 30 years ago. A 9 percent increase in use was reported just in the past year. Rich in heart-healthy mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acids and antioxidants such as polyphenols, olive oil is an anti-inflammatory and is healthier than other edible oils such as corn oil, safflower oil, margarine or even butter.