6 Outstanding Reasons To Use Olive Oil
Olive Oil, a versatile oil that is a favorite in many kitchens, is renowned for its flavor and health benefits. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a lot of health benefits. Extra virgin oil is a type of olive oil that is pressed mechanically without heat or chemicals.
The International Olive Council, as well as the USDA, require that brands adhere to the standards that are required for extra virgin oil. But, you should always do some research on the brand that you are buying because the standards are not enforced correctly all the time.
It is not uncommon for some Olive Oil companies to dilute their extra virgin olive oils with cheaper oils in order to increase profits. What makes Extra Virgin Olive Oil healthy?
Monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy.
Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) have heart health benefits and are therefore a great fat to include in your diet.
73% (oleic acid) of the fats found in Olive Oil come from Monounsaturated Fatty Acids. Olive Oil can also help to reduce inflammation, lower blood-pressure, protect LDL cholesterol and prevent unwanted blood-clotting.
Olive Oil Is A Great Anti-Inflammatory
Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a high concentration of antioxidants. More specifically, it contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants within the body and can also be anti-inflammatory.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which is very distinct because fats in general tend to cause inflammation. A lot of the antioxidant polyphenols that are found in olive oil also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Olive Oil Has Great Digestive Health Benefits
Olive Oil has antibacterial properties. This is evident from both test tube and human trials.
This bacteria lives in the stomach, and it can cause stomach ulcers or stomach cancer. In one human study, 30 g of Extra Virgin Olive Oil was shown to reduce Helicobacter Pylori infections in 10-40% cases within 2 weeks.
Olive Oil Is A Great Cancer Fighter
Several studies have found that individuals who consume diets rich with Olive Oil reduce their risk of cancers of the upper digestive system, such as stomach or small intestine.
Olive oil is known to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Antioxidants in Olive Oil could help to fight free radicals.
Olive Oil Is Great For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Olive Oil was found to improve inflammatory markers, and reduce oxidative stresses in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is even more true when combined with fish oils.
Participants in one study who consumed olive oil with fish oil had significantly less joint pain, stronger grips, and less morning stiffness.
Olive Oil Has Essential Cognitive Benefits
A Mediterranean diet has been shown to improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Research is being done on the role of olive oil in this as it is an important component of the Mediterranean Diet.
Recent animal research suggests that olive oil may help in times of brain imbalances like molecules passing through the blood barrier too quickly.
In other early-stage research, a substance found in olive oil may prevent the formation of a type plaque in brain tissue that is a feature of Alzheimer's Disease. Further human studies are necessary.