Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Superfood To Add To Your Daily Routine
Most people resolve to improve their health and lifestyles in the new year. Let's face it, many of us enjoy cooking and enjoying exceptional food.
There's a superfood that you likely already have in your pantry, and you use almost every day. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been repeatedly proven to have dramatic health benefits.
Superfoods
The term "superfood" can sometimes be confusing. A superfood ingredient must meet certain requirements in order to qualify. However, the definition of'superfood' is not always clear. Although marketing hype and media hype may make it seem like superfoods are all over the place, there is some truth to the term.
Your body is most likely looking for healthy, fresh, and nutritious food. It is possible to reap the benefits of being more mindful about including seasonal produce and nutrient dense ingredients in your daily routine.
Although some superfoods are marketed as miracle cures, there is no evidence that they work. Healthy foods are vital to ensure you get the right levels of:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Anti-oxidants
- Also, fatty acids
There is no miracle food. However, it is possible to live a healthy lifestyle with plenty of nutrients and enjoy a long, happy life.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is distinct in that extensive research has been put together based on its purported health benefits. People throughout the world have been consuming Extra Virgin Olive Oil long before it was known as a 'superfood.' The Mediterranean diet has been highly praised it, and for great reason.
People who live in the Mediterranean have a longer life expectancy and are happier. This is due to their large intake of fruits, vegetables, fish, healthy fats like nuts, olive oil, and healthy fats like nuts.
Olive Oil's versatility and rich flavor are great reasons to include it in your daily diet. If you still need convincing, extensive research has been done on Extra Virgin Olive Oil to show the numerous health benefits, particularly when it is used in place of butter, margarine, or refined oils.
Antioxidants and Extra Virgin Olive oil
High-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil has high levels of phenolic compounds, an antioxidant which:
- Free radicals are destroyed
- Stop cancer cells
- It can lower your risk of developing heart disease
- You can also increase your longevity
Oleocanthal Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This phenolic compound discovered in Extra Virgin Olive Oilis said to be responsible for the burning or tingling sensation which is experienced when tasting a high quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
It is anti-inflammatory and can be used in conjunction with painkillers and fever relievers.
Monounsaturated Fatty acids (MUFAS), and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Monounsaturated fats can be found in nuts, high-fat fruits like olives and avocados. These fats are essential to the Mediterranean lifestyle. Studies have shown that they can increase fluidity and elasticity in cell membranes. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which has a 75% MUFA, is a great source.
The risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis and color cancer can be reduced by consuming 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil per day.
Vitamin E and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Each tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil has about 1.9 mg of Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that can help protect the body against eye and skin problems and in fact make hair and skin much healthier. It has been proven to protect the body against:
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders are some examples.
- And lung cancer
Vitamin K and Extra Virgin Oil
Vitamin K, another fat-soluble vitamin, has the greatest impact on blood. Vitamin K is essential for healthy blood coagulation and calcium levels. 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil a day will fill 10% of the daily suggested intake of Vitamin K, and can help protect against insulin resistance and a variety of cancers.
How to add more extra virgin olive oil to your diet
Now what? How do you take advantage of the highest benefits from Extra Virgin Olive Oil? Usually, the experts suggest that most of us would be best consuming about 2 tablespoons per day.
There are many ways to consume more Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Here are some ideas:
- Sprinkle some extra sauce on a sandwich, salad, or soup
- Popcorn with extra virgin olive oil
- It is a great oil for frying eggs.
- Use store-bought Hummus and add extra virgin olive oil
- Replace butter with Extra Virgin Olive Oil in baking recipes