Olive oil has long since been a staple in the Mediterranean cuisine, and considered holy in their culture due to its numerous benefits. It not only tastes delicious with hummus, but also possesses some amazing virtues. Olives are a rich source of antioxidants, that can reduce inflammation, protect the heart and improve brain health.
Scientific evidence validates these phenomenal properties of olive oil. Although opinions can differ, extra virgin olive oil still remains one of the most healthiest foods since thousands of years. It contains Vitamins K and E, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and several other nutrients.
Try to use as much olive oil in your diet as possible. Make sure you buy extra virgin oil as heating olive oil at higher temperatures for a long period of time may reduce its benefits provided by the compound oleocanthal, according to a study on the influence of heat on the biological activity and concentration of oleocanthal from virgin olive oil.
Olive oil is beneficial both internally and externally which means that you can also use it for beauty and skincare along with consuming it. Olive oil tastes delicious in salads and can even help you lose weight as it breaks down fat inside fat cells and improves insulin sensitivity.
Here are a few reasons why olive oil should be an important part of your diet:
Chronic inflammation is usually the culprit behind a number of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndromes, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and even obesity. Olive oil possesses anti inflammatory properties accounting for its amazing health benefits. Many studies suggest that antioxidants like oleocanthal are mostly responsible for reducing inflammation. Research also shows that oleocanthal in 50 ml (3.4 tbsp) of extra virgin olive oil has effects on your body in the same way as 10% of the adult dosage of ibuprofen.
Approximately 73% of the fat in olive oil is monounsaturated fatty acids which are extremely beneficial for your heart health. Again, numerous studies have shown that olive oil can reduce inflammation, improve LDL cholesterol levels and prevent unwanted blood clotting.
Olive oil can also improve blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart diseases. Polyphenols in olive oil can dilate arteries and lower blood pressure. In fact, it can lower the need for blood pressure medications by 48%.
Other several studies conducted in the Mediterranean region showed that heart disease around this area was rare and so researchers got interested in analyzing the benefits of a Mediterranean diet and found olive oil to be one of the reasons behind it. Why, simply because people who consumed…
