Benefits of Olive Oil For Your Health
There are so many benefits of olive oil for the health that many experts in nutrition and dietetics haven't doubted in describing this food substance as the 'Mediterranean miracle'. This might look like an exaggeration but it isn't.
Olive oil is the foodstuff at the very centre of the Mediterranean diet. And the Mediterranean Diet is regarded as the healthiest way of eating in the world. There is not any doubt at all about this instant claim either.
Here, in our blog, we have already spoken about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. You can read about it here. Nonetheless, in this post, we are likely to deal specifically using the benefits of olive oil for your health. So, let us begin.
However, before we start, we must insist that we are speaking about the real juice of the olive and because of that, of a very natural foodstuff. It is what we get after pressing the olive picked from the tree.
Although we cannot deny the fact that the hand of man and the newest technology used at Masía El Altet also play their part in achieving a item that can boast a high level of aroma and flavour.
However, what does olive oil contain that makes it so beneficial for your health? Here some of the matters:
- Monounsaturated fats (lipoic acid)
- Saturated fats
- Polyunsaturated fats (linoleic acid)
- Tocopherols (vitamin E)
- Phytosterols (enabling a Decrease in lipids)
- Beta-carotenes (pro-vitamin A)
- Polyphenols
Benefits of olive oil for your health and in the fight against cancer
There are many studies which speak openly about the benefits of oil for your health in the fight against cancer. And to be more precise, extra virgin olive oil is advocated in the fight against colon, skin and breast cancer.
To avoid contracting this type of disease, a healthy diet is advisable using the main source of fat being olive oil. That is to say, that the fat should be natural as is the foodstuff itself. In that way, the amount of cases of cancer will be reduced noticeably.
This very beneficial effect has much to do with the lactic acid it contains, the antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids.
If we believe the skin and nothing more, we can claim that one of the sources of the creation of squalene is olive oil, and that that very substance is quite beneficial. It is also much used in the cosmetic industry. If you are interested in knowing more about squalene, you can click onto this link.
Olive oil in the fight against diabetes
Take this figure published in a scientific research from the magazine Diabetes Care: Olive oil is capable of decreasing Type 2 Diabetes by half. The reason for this is the presence within this foodstuff of monounsaturated fats, similar to those found in seeds and nuts.
A diet containing olive oil as its main foodstuff, accompanied by carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables and pulses is the best way of reducing the incidence of this type of diabetes. If a diabetic follows this type of diet, it is demonstrated that blood sugar levels are far better regulated.
Olive oil: the enemy of osteoporosis
If virgin olive oil is absorbed daily, amounts of calcium, phosphorous and nitrates in bloodare increased significantly. And what is the outcome? Bones are strengthened and the appearance of osteoporosis is preempted.
A characteristic of osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones. It literally means porous bones. It is usually known as brittle bone disease. And if the bones are weak or fragile, there is a greater risk of fracture of the spine, wrists or hip.
Other health benefits of olive oil
Blood pressure. Studies indicate that an intake of just 3 spoonfuls of virgin olive oil each day is sufficient to regulate blood pressure. Three spoonfuls is also the suggested intake for all types of people.
Control of cholesterol amounts . It is also widely demonstrated that the natural juice of the olive, this liquid gold called olive oil is capable of increasing levels of good cholesterol and decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol. This is also due to the monunsaturated fats that it contains.
In the fight against depression. Daily consumption can reduce the risk of suffering depression up to 50%, as has been shown in some research.
Oil, part of Mediterranean Cultures
All specialists coincide in pointing out that one of the great differences between the good health of the inhabitants of Mediterranean nations and that of those from northern and central Europe is that in the first class, olive oil is consumed whilst in the next, butter is used, above all in cooking. This is a fat that is significantly more harmful for health.
Between 2 and three spoonfuls of olive oil can be sufficient to preempt many diseasesas we have observed above. Fortunately, in nations such as Spain and also in Greece and Italy, virgin olive oil forms part of the culture itself and its own ingestion is common practice.
In summary, the benefits of oil for your health are many. It is obviously a fantastic weapon -- and a natural one -- to fight against many kinds of cancer. But not just that, it is also a powerful ally in the fight agains diabetes and osteoporosis.
Its elements avoid an imbalance in blood pressure and help eliminate bad cholesterol while at the same period, increasing the level of good cholesterol. It is well known that cholesterol is just one of the greatest evils in present-day society. However, you have already seen how easy it is to fight agains it with a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil.
Are you really aware of all the benefits of olive oil for your health? Do you use it? Do you use it or other fats for cooking? Tell us in the comments section.
And if you've liked this post, we'd be delighted if you shared it with friends and family. In that way, everyone will become aware of the great benefits of olive oil for their health.