Vital Health Benefits Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fats are one the three most important macronutrients in human life. They make up a significant portion of our bodies. We wouldn't be capable of absorbing vitamins A, D. E, and K without fat in the diet. You can also benefit from healthy fats like Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Fight stress
- Improve mood swings
- Mental fatigue can be reduced
- You can even help manage your weight with this.
Although fat is generally viewed as a problem, it's not always bad. Some fats can actually be great. All you have to do is make the right choices. Harvard School of Public Health suggests healthy fat intake. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid the bad and eat the good.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The FDA says that 2 tablespoons Olive Oil daily may reduce your risk of developing heart diseases. This is because of its monounsaturated oil content. Extra Virgin Olive Oil also has polyphenols which act like antioxidants to reduce oxidative stresses throughout the body.
Extra virgin olive oils also contain a small amount Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid, which are crucial for brainhealth. Vitamin E (also called tocopherols) is another great ingredient in extra virgin oil.
A few health benefits have been linked to Extra Virgin Olive Oil consumption, some of which are listed below.
Heart + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cardiovascular Disease
With age, our hearts naturally become less healthy. Spanish researchers have discovered that the intake of monounsaturated fats like Extra Virgin Olive Oil can restore the function of the arteries in older people.
Blood Pressure + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been shown to lower both systolic (and diastolic) blood pressure. Participants who consumed four tablespoons per day of Olive Oil were less likely to need blood pressure medication, according to one study.
Cholesterol
Extra Virgin Olive Oil can be used to reduce total cholesterol. Furthermore, it has been shown that extra virgin olive oil can increase HDL cholesterol. This helps to balance LDL and HDL.
Brain + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Alzheimer's
Studies have shown that oleocanthal - a polyphenol found Extra Virgin Olive Oil - has the potential of reducing cognitive decline as a result of aging, including Alzheimer’s disease. The powerful antioxidant polyphenols found in Extra Virgin Olive Oil also aid in combating oxidative stresses associated with aging.
Depression
Research shows that eating olive oil can help prevent depression and other mental illnesses.
Fat is an important building block for cell membranes. Fat acts as a cushioning material for cells and organs as well nerve insulation. Fat actually makes up 60% in the brain.
Stroke
A new French study found that those who used olive oil to cook and eat had a 41 percent lower chance of stroke than those who did not.
Skin + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Skin Cancer
In conjunction with a Mediterranean diet extra virgin olive oils has been shown that it can help to prevent the deadly form of skin carcinoma, malignant melanomas. Extra virgin olive oils have antioxidant properties that help prevent sunburns.
Bones + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Osteoporosis
Extra virgin Olive Oil may help increase bone mineralization. It is essential for the prevention of osteoporosis by helping to absorb calcium.
Diet + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Diabetes
A diet rich in soluble fibre from fruits and vegetables, monounsaturated oil such as extra virgin olive oils, and low in saturated fat, moderately high in carbohydrates, can help to alleviate symptoms of diabetes.
It regulates blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity. Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Mediterranean diet has shown to be almost half as effective in reducing type II diabetes risk than a low-fat diet.
Obesity
A diet rich in nutrients is a good way to increase your satiety. It also prevents you from eating high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that can cause obesity.
Fat plays a major role in how satisfied we feel after eating. Not only does fat help stimulate gastric reflux which aids in digestion of the foods we eat. Extra virgin olive oils is an example of a fat rich in nutrients that can make you feel satisfied.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet includes olive oil in nearly everything. It recommends a diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables.
According to a number of studies, the Mediterranean diet has many health benefits, including a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and prevention of metabolic syndrome.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Oxidative Stress
The body can become exposed to pollutants like cigarette smoke and air pollution. Also, fried foods and alcohol consumption can lead to free radical formation. Vitamin E, which is found in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals. This is called oxidative Stress.
Over time, oxidative stresses can lead to cancer. Extra Virgin Olive Oil also contains Polyphenols, another type antioxidant, that can help fight oxidative stresses throughout your body.
Cancer + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Oleocanthal (a phytonutrient that is found in Extra Virgin Olive Oil) has been shown reduce inflammation, a major cause for cancer. Consuming a diet high in sugar, processed and deep-fried foods, alcohol, and other environmental toxins like cigarette smoke, can lead to inflammation.
Olive oil also contains other essential components like squalene, lignans and other properties that are effective in fighting cancer.