3 Critical Benefits Of A Daily Olive Oil
Italians, Greeks and others from these regions thrive on diets that contain as much as 40% fat.
Monounsaturated Olive Oil is the most common type of fat. The health benefits of this oil are still numerous. Let's look at three of the most well-known benefits of Olive Oil.
A recent review also found that laboratory mice with Alzheimer's disease generally ate regular chow enriched Extra Virgin Olive Oil and performed better in cognitive and learning tests.
Their brains are also less likely to develop beta-amyloid plaques or neurofibrillary knots, which are indicators of Alzheimer's disease.
Olive oil can help lower blood pressure
A report from Italy found that patients with moderate to severe hypertension saw a significant drop in blood pressure when they ate extra virgin olive oil. In some cases, this reduced the need for medication.
Individuals with moderately high blood pressure were also included in the analysis (significantly lower than 165/104 mm Hg) who are taking antihypertensive medication. Six months later, they were re-enrolled in the second diet plan for an additional 6 months.
Patients were able to reduce their medication by an average of 48 per cent with the Olive Oil Diet.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil also contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. These protect LDL cholesterol against free radical damage. They also help maintain a healthy artery lining and prevent plaque buildup. This has positive effects on blood pressure.
Researchers conducted a study to see if consuming large amounts of olive oil, such as the two used in cooking and salad dressing tables, was associated with a lower incidence of strokes. Researchers found that those who consumed the most Olive Oil had a 41% lower chance of suffering a stroke than those who had not had one for five years.
A second evaluation showed that those with high blood levels of lactic (an olive oil-derived fatty acid) experienced a 73% reduction in their risk of developing cancer.
This is a good idea. This makes sense. Olive acids, which are powerful antioxidants, prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidation and help to stave off atherosclerosis (another risk factor for stroke).
Research suggests that Olive Oil can also help prevent platelets from sticking together and reduce the risk of a stroke.
How to Get the Most Out of Olive Oil's Essential Benefits
Extra-virgin olive oils are best to ensure you get all the health benefits. It is best to keep it in a cool dark place or inside the fridge. Before you apply it, make sure it has reached room temperature.
Olive oil can be used as a primary oil in cooking, marinades and salad dressings. It's wonderful to heat it. Monounsaturated fats can be heated very easily.
A good rule of thumb for dressings and marinades in salads is to use three parts Extra Virgin Olive oil to one part citrus fruits or vinegar and fresh or dried herbs.
A light and flavorful vinaigrette can be made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
Are Olive Oil Benefits Brand Specific?
Our Olive Oil professionals recommend that you only verify the authenticity of what you're purchasing. An analysis of food fraud published in Journal of Food Science revealed that olive oil was one of the most compromised foods.
These issues include mislabeled sources, missing elements on labels, additions of seed, nuts, vegetable oils, and questionable purity.
Real Extra Virgin Olive Oil is simply an oil made from mechanically pressed seeds. It can't be heated or processed with chemicals. You can check the label for the date of harvest to ensure freshness. Your olive oil should be at least one year old in order to preserve its freshness.
Olive oil can be stored in excellent conditions for as long as two years.
Visit a store that sells olive oils if you are able. You can also taste the oil in person.
Only purchase olive oil with dark scents. This will preserve freshness and prevent oxidation.