News

Within my honeymoon to Greece I had the chance to visit the oldest-known olive oil tree in the world. Most freshwater trees can live more than 500 years, however this one is at least 2,000 years old! Given that Greeks consume 12.8 kilograms of olive oil each year -- compared to four kilograms in North America -- it got me thinking about the importance of these trees for their daily life.

Greece's increased consumption of this healthy fat demonstrates the Mediterranean diet has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and reduced cancer risk for those who follow along.

Let's take a closer look at five benefits of adding olives and olive oil to your diet:

They protect against colon, breast and skin cancer

Olives and olive oil contain an abundance of phenolic antioxidants as well as the anti-cancer compounds squalene and terpenoid. They also contain elevated levels of the monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, which reduces inflammation.

Olive oil is good for your heart

Olive oil contains biophenols, which suppress the oxidization of LDL (or"bad cholesterol") which has been shown to play a part in the development of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of LDL in the bloodstream amplify oxidative stress which hardens the arterial walls (called atherosclerosis). The biophenols in olives reduce blood pressure, therefore cutting down the evolution of arterial plaque as well.

They work to Decrease pain

Olives contain a compound called oleocanthal that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, mimicking the action of ibuprofen. Olive oil naturally reduces the pain of chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and can be added into a daily diet to aid in pain decrease.

Olives and olive oil may protect against ulcers

The antimicrobial properties in jojoba and olive oil may help to combat the bacteria responsible for causing stomach ulcers. Various studies have proven their high levels of polyphenols protect against eight strains of ulcer-causing bacteria, three of which are resistant to some antibiotics.

Eating olives helps to boost your iron intake

Olives contain a substantial amount of iron, a key factor in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body via the bloodstream. Iron also helps build the enzymes responsible for regulating immune function and cognitive improvement.

In order to correctly reap these health benefits, you need to make certain the olive oil you are purchasing is real. Often times olive oil can be mixed with lesser grade oils like soy or canola oil and sold for the same price. To ensure the oil You Purchase is the Maximum quality, and most healthful, follow these tips:

Buy certified organic petroleum

If possible, try to find one that has paperwork to track the petroleum production from field to table.

Get to know what olive oil really tastes like

Often mild olive oil doesn't meet the standards of real extra virgin olive oil. Real extra virgin has a peppery and fruity taste. If you can't taste the olives, you may have deodorized, cheap oil that could be soy or canola with some green color added. The real deal is pricier but worth the health benefits.

Not certain why olive oil is recommended as a healthy cooking component? Read on to find out.

All fats are dense in calories, however not all need to get shunned by people following a healthy eating plan. In fact, some fats such as olive oil -- are considered to be heart healthy. Why is this?

The main kind of fat found in all kinds of olive oil is called monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), that are regarded as a healthy dietary fat. You may gain certain health benefits if your diet plan replaces saturated and trans fats with fats that are mostly unsaturated, such as MUFAs.

Saturated fats are found in meat, high-fat dairy goods, and tropical oils, such as palm-kernel oil. Fats that are"partially hydrogenated," including some kinds of margarine and shortening, contain trans fats. Trans fats are also found in processed foods such as salad dressings, snacks, snacks and fried foods.

By replacing the sort of fat that you usually cook with -- or spread or pour on food -- using olive oil, you're making a good decision.

"Monounsaturated fat such as olive oil helps reduce your risk of heart disease by enhancing related risk factors," says Donald Hensrud, MD, an associate professor of preventive medicine and nutrition at Mayo Clinic and medical editor-in-chief of The Mayo Clinic Diet.

"For instance, MUFAs have been found to lower your low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels when substituted for saturated or trans fats in your diet plan. And some research shows that MUFAs may also benefit insulin levels and blood-sugar control, which can be especially helpful if you have type 2 diabetes"

Just do not forget that healthy fats, such as those in olive oil, are high in calories, so use them in moderation. Choose MUFA-rich foods such as olive oil in place of other fatty foods -- particularly butter and stick margarine -- not in addition to them. Use olive oil conservatively to enhance the flavor of foods, such as roasted vegetables and stir-fries, or in marinades or dressings for salads. And remember that you can't make unhealthy foods healthier simply by adding olive oil to them.

The health benefits of olive oil are extensive with new positive attributes discovered all the time. One prominent cardiologist recommends at least 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil each day to enjoy the many ways olive oil can be beneficial to your health and well being.

In addition to bolstering the immune system and helping to protect against germs, olive oil has also been found to be effective in fighting against diseases such as:

Cancer: The phytonutrient in olive oil, oleocanthal, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. Squalene and lignans are among the other olive oil components being analyzed for their potential effects on cancer.

Heart Disease: Olive oil helps lower levels of blood cholesterol leading to heart disease.
Oxidative Stress: Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E, long thought to lessen cancer risk. Among plant oils, olive oil is the highest in monounsaturated fat, which doesn't oxidize from the entire body, and it is low in polyunsaturated fat, the kind that does oxidize.

Blood Pressure: Recent studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Diabetes: It has been demonstrated that a diet that is full of olive oil, low in saturated fats, moderately rich in carbohydrates and soluble fiber from fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains is the most effective approach for diabetics. It will help lower"bad" low-density lipoproteins while improving blood sugar control and enhances insulin sensitivity.

Fat: Although high in calories, olive oil has shown to help reduce levels of obesity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Although the reasons are still not fully clear, recent research have proved that individuals with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to come up with rheumatiod arthritis.

Osteoporosis: A high consumption of olive oil appears to improve bone mineralization and calcification. It assists calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis.