Olive oil was known to the ancients for its healing properties. Olive oil is the oil extracted from olive trees. It is completely natural and has no chemical components. 14% of olive oil is saturated fats, 11% polyunsaturated, and 73% oleic acid, which studies have proven can reduce inflammation and fight cancer; this page will seek to tell you what some of the many benefits of olive oil are. Olive oil is very, very healthy, and undoubtedly one of, if not the most, healthiest fat on the entire planet. Here are some of the many benefits of olive oil for your health.
It Is a Healthy Cooking Alternative
Olive oil is a fantastic alternative to unhealthier cooking oils. There are many manufacturers who provide spray bottles of olive oil that you can squirt straight into your frying pan and get cooking. Olive oil provides a very healthy way for you to fry food without having to use harmful, fatty, and potentially carcinogenic oils. There are many options outside of olive oil, too, and by using these options you can reduce your fat intake even more! Some of these are:
- Flaxseed oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil
- Olive oil flavoured spray
- Olive oil flavoured margarine
Olive Oil is Full of Antioxidants
Olive oil is very nutritious, and aside from its fatty acids, is full of vitamins E and K. Olive oil is also a very powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants reduce the risk of chronic diseases and reduce inflammation. They also actively help to keep your blood cholesterol levels down and prevent blood cholesterol oxidation. Antioxidants are also known to fight and lower your risk of heart disease.
Olive Oil is An Anti-Inflammatory
Olive oil is a very powerful anti-inflammatory and is thought to reduce the painful side-effects of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and arthritis. Inflammation is suggested to be the catalyst for all of those diseases, so by regularly consuming olive oil, you will be preparing yourself and strengthening your body, should you ever be unfortunate enough to have any of them. Scientists have suggested that just under four teaspoons of olive oil have a similar effect to up to ten per cent of the adult recommended dose of ibuprofen.
Olive Oil Fights Heart Disease
Scarily, heart disease is the most common cause of death globally every single year. Research has uncovered that heart disease is less likely to occur in Mediterranean countries. Extensive research has uncovered that the Mediterranean diet, which is full of olive oil and other antioxidants, is shown to significantly reduce your likelihood of heart disease or heart attack. Olive oil prevents LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, as was previously mentioned, and thereby improves the lining of your blood vessels and prevents blood clotting.
Olive Oil Does Not Contribute to Obesity
Eating large amounts of fats undoubtedly causes weight gain. Olive oil, however, does not. A Mediterranean diet that is rich in olive oil intake and can help you to maintain a healthy weight.
Olive Oil Can Fight Alzheimer's
A number of studies have suggested that olive oil can reduce the build-up of beta-amyloid plaques inside your brain cells. It is these beta-amyloid plaques that directly contribute to Alzheimer's, which is quickly becoming the most common neurodegenerative disease globally.
Olive Oil is Antibacterial
Olive oil is well known for its antibacterial properties, and it has many components that can kill or hinder harmful and dangerous bacteria. It has even been used as an antiseptic for wounds with great success. A number of studies have shown that a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori which lives in your stomach and contributes to both ulcers and cancers can be killed with regular olive oil treatment.
Be Sure to Get the Right Type of Olive Oil
There are many different types of olive oil and buying the right type of olive oil is very important. Extra virgin olive oil is abundant with antioxidants and bioactive components and is a much healthier alternative than a more refined olive oil. Unfortunately, many oils labelled extra virgin are diluted with other oils, such as sunflower and flaxseed oil.
You should make sure that you always read the label on your olive oil packaging so that you can be sure there are no harmful additives or components in your olive oil. Buying olive oil from respectable and reputable dealers does not necessarily clear you of the risk of additives, either. Always check the label just to make sure.
Now you know some of the many benefits of olive oil and know how to make sure you buy the best of the best. Olive oil is a fantastic component of any healthy diet and can be eaten with absolutely anything. It is versatile, and above all, delicious.
