Primary Health Benefits You Can Get From Olive Oil
When folks think of oil, the first thing that comes to their mind is how unhealthy it could be into the body. Experts said that olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is good for the body although the health benefits of several dietary fats are controversial.
Scientists have proven that olive oil is effective in preventing and treating various health conditions. According to HealthSite, olive oil is extracted from olives which are comprised of 73% monounsaturated fat, called oleic acid, 14% saturated fat, and 11% polyunsaturated fat.
Studies indicate that lipoic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and has beneficial effects on some kinds of cancer. Anyway, extra virgin olive oil is recommended to use for healthy cooking because monosaturated fats are known to be heat-resistant. Below are the top five health benefits of olive oil.
Contains Antioxidants and Help Prevent Cancer
Research indicates that those living in the Mediterranean nations have a lower risk of having some types of cancer as a result of their dietary traditions that demand using olive oil. Cancer is just one of the top diseases that cause death among people around the globe. However, there is absolutely no cure yet for this disease so avoidance is still the best.
The antioxidants in olive oil are believed to kill free radicals, which are the leading driver of cancer. Studies have demonstrated that this special kind of petroleum can fight cancer cells. But experts said that more studies are required to confirm that it lessens the risk of having cancer.
Has Antibacterial Properties
According to an article in Healthline, olive oil contains nutrients that inhibit or kill pathogens. One of these is Helicobacter pylori, which resides within the stomach that could cause stomach cancer. Research suggests that the oil fights eight strains of this bacterium, wherein three strains of it are already resistant to antibiotics.
Taking 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil each day can eliminate H. pylori in 10%-40% of people in just two weeks.
Not Associated With Weight Gain
The use of excess fat is always associated with weight gain. But the Mediterranean diet that is full of olive oil has surprisingly beneficial effects on body fat. According to a 30-month study on 7,000 Spanish college students, consuming a great deal of olive oil didn't cause an increase in their weight.
Protective Against Heart Disease
According to observational studies conducted decades ago, heart disease is not as common in Mediterranean countries that led to extensive research on the Mediterranean diet. It revealed that olive oil may significantly lessen the risk of heart disease. It protects the heart from the bad LDL cholesterol that boosts the lining of the blood vessels to avoid excessive blood clotting.
Treat Minor Wounds
Olive oil contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties so that it can also be utilized to speed up the healing process of wounds. It is often used as one of the components in making homemade antiseptic cream to treat and disinfect minor wounds.
According to a study published in Burns, taking olive oil orally can speed up recovery from burn-related wounds. Olive oil can be added to salad dressings, gravy, and sauces.