7 Outstanding Health Benefits Of Using Olive Oil In Your Recipes

Olive oil is an integral part of a healthy Mediterranean diet. Learn more about the health benefits of olive oil to make an easy transition to a healthier diet.

Olive Oil and especially Extra-Virgin Olive Oil have been well-known for their many health benefits. It is believed to be responsible for the longer life expectancies in the Mediterranean region. It also has many health benefits.

Olive Oil Contains Good Fats, Essential For Heart Health

Monounsaturated fat, or MUFA, is the main fat found in olive oil. Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) have been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL levels. They may also help normalize blood clotting.

Your LDL cholesterol can be reduced, which will reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease. You can also replace butter and margarine by oil-rich products like Bertolli butter to increase your intake of MUFA.

Olive oil is packed with antioxidants

Olive Oil is rich in vitamin E, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. These are all known to be powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants can also be used to reduce the risk of creating harmful free radicals within the body.

Free radicals are atoms that have an odd number or a combination of electrons. They attach to healthy cells, start a negative chain reaction and injure blood vessels.

Olive oil may help lower blood pressure

The health of your heart can be improved by MUFAs, and olive oil contains high levels of an essential fatty acids (EFA), called omega-3.

Omega-3 and MUFAs are proven to help lower blood pressure, keeping your heart healthy. Because the body can't make it, it is called an EFA. We must obtain it from food sources.

It may help you to avoid depression

Recent research suggests that Olive Oil may have both emotional and physical health benefits. A study by the University of Navarra, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria found that a diet rich in olive oil and other polyunsaturated fats is associated with a lower chance of developing mental illness.

Olive Oil May Play An Essential Role In Preventing Osteoporosis

It is becoming increasingly clear that Olive Oil may increase calcium levels in the blood. This can lead to a positive effect on bone density and may prevent osteoporosis.

Olive oil can help lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease

Early research has shown that an Olive Oil oil extract (oleocanthal), may protect you against the risks of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline that often accompany aging.

There is more research needed in this area. However, Olive Oil could be part of a Mediterranean diet. This diet is high in vegetables, fruits, and fish and may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps Reduce Inflammation

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil is thought to have the same effect as non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. This can help with conditions like rheumatoid. Oleocanthal, a compound that can block pro-inflammatory enzymes, is also known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Researchers found that the compound has a significant effect on chronic inflammation as well as acute inflammatory processes in rheumatoid. They believe that a 3.5-teaspoon dose of the compound is equivalent to a 200mg tablet containing ibuprofen.