Some of the Better Known Health Benefits of Olive Oil
A handful of people have heard that Extra Virgin Olive Oil can be good for your health. But what is it good for? EVOO's top health claim is that it lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease - which happens to be the leading cause of death in America!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best tasting, unprocessed Extra Virgin Olive Oil and offers the greatest health benefits.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that olive oil has the ability to prevent and treat heart disease. You might be wondering how it does this. Olive oil protects against heart disease by reducing "bad" cholesterol levels (LDL), and increasing "good" cholesterol levels (HDL).
A high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, approximately 2 tablespoons per day, contains high levels of antioxidants (vitamin E & phenols in particular), which help lower LDL cholesterol and increase blood antioxidant compounds.
However, the health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil are not limited. EVOO is constantly being improved. It is known to boost immunity and protect against viruses. It is true! It has also been shown to be effective in fighting off the following diseases.
High blood pressure: Recent studies have shown that regular olive oil consumption has helped to lower blood pressure.
Heart Disease -Heart disease can be caused by high cholesterol. However, olive oil has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of developing heart disease.
Cancer:Oleocanthal, a phytonutrient found in olive oils, can reduce inflammation and mimic the effects of ibuprofen. It has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk and recurrence. Other components of olive oil are currently being investigated for possible cancer-fighting effects. These include lignans and squalene.
Diabetes: Studies have shown that olive oil can help lower low-density lipoproteins, improve blood sugar control, and increase insulin sensitivity. Olive oil can be a healthy supplement to a low-fat diet and moderately high in carbohydrates and soluble fiber from fruits and vegetables.
Oxidative stress:It's well-known that olive oil contains antioxidants (vitamin A especially), which are believed to reduce one's chance of developing cancer. Olive oil has a high level of monounsaturated fats. This is the type that doesn't oxidize in your body. It also has a low amount of polyunsaturated oils. Olive oil is a great addition to a healthy diet.
Osteoporosis A diet high in olive oils has been shown to increase bone mineralization, calcification. It increases calcium absorption and can be used to help current osteoporosis sufferers as well as prevent future development.
These incredible health benefits will make you want to include EVOO in your daily diet. The benefits of eating olive oil-rich diets are numerous and unquestionable.
It is the natural antioxidants polyphenols that are found in olive oil that play a major role in the many health benefits. There are many factors that influence the polyphenol content of olive oil. These factors include:
Olive Variety: The variety of olive used in the production of oil determines its polyphenol count. Koreneiki olives, for example, have a high level of polyphenols while Arbequina has a low.
Time for Picking: Olive oil made from unripe green olives will have more polyphenols than olive oil made from mature olives.
Environmental Factors Things like altitude, irrigation and cultivation have an effect on polyphenol count.
Extract Conditions: When techniques are used to increase yield, polyphenols are lost. Your oil will have fewer polyphenols if you heat the paste or add water to it.
Storage Containers The shorter an oil is left to sit, the more polyphenols it will contain. The right container can prolong the life of your oil and prevent the polyphenols from oxidizing too quickly.
These incredible health benefits will make you want to include EVOO in your daily diet. The benefits of eating olive oil-rich diets are numerous and unquestionable.