What we do and why
The olive tree isn't just a fad. It's been around for thousands of years. And research shows time and again that the substances in olive oil and olive leaves support our bodies.From heart to brain. But that knowledge from research often remains stuck in laboratories and trade journals. People often know that olive oil is good for them, but the knowledge and details are lacking. We want to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, as well as between knowledge and ancient insights. That's why we're building this platform, intended for anyone curious about what the olive tree has to offer.

Mission
Our goal is to raise awareness of the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and other sustainable olive products. We do this by gathering and sharing reliable, expert, and scientifically sound information in a way that everyone can understand.
Visie
The Olive Health Institute aims to become the leading independent platform for olive products and health. A trusted source for consumers, researchers, scientists, doctors, surgeons, organizations, companies, and producers, based on scientific research and practical experience.
Objectives:
We focus on five pilars:
- Scientific research & publications
- Education & training
- Knowledge platform
- Collaborations & networks
- Awareness & promotion
What we do
- Publishing articles and translating scientific research
- Organizing lectures and webinars
- Developing educational materials and giving guest lectures
- Maintaining a current knowledge platform
- Collaborating with manufacturers, universities, organizations, scientists, researchers, and stakeholders.
- Future plans: establishing an online platform for products with health claims
Who we are for
Healthcare professionals – (orthomolecular) physicians, therapists, nutritionists, dietitians, and lifestyle coaches.
Beauty and personal care professionals – beauticians, skincare specialists, and dermatologists
Food industry & producers – from farmers to distributors
Scientists & researchers – in the fields of nutrition, health, cosmetics, and pharmacology & onderzoekers – op het gebied van voeding, gezondheid, cosmetica en farmacologie
Consumers – people who are conscious about food, cosmetics, and preventive health
Pharmaceutical companies – that integrate natural extracts into medicinal and cosmetic applications
Personal background
Ellen Vink-Blom:
According to co-founder Ellen Vink, the institute reflects her lifelong interest in combining holistic medicine with empirical evidence.
"I've worked with electronic muscle stimulation, orthomolecular therapies, mental coaching, and nutritional supplements," she explains. "But EVOO, especially when rich in polyphenols, continues to amaze me with its versatility and effectiveness. It's time we give this gift of nature the scientific platform it deserves."
Dick Vink:
Her partner, Dick Vink, agrees, adding that his passion for sustainable architecture and healthy living environments led him to embrace the role of EVOO in human-centered design. "The WELL Building Standard integrates wellness into architecture, and that got me thinking: why shouldn't we do the same with food? Why not integrate EVOO and other olive products into our daily routines in a medically supported way?"