Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive trees have been around for ten thousand years. It has been part of the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years, and countries like Spain that consume olive oil the most also record the lowest cases of many killer diseases. So, there is no doubt olive oil has many health benefits to significantly aid longevity. However, its benefits go way beyond longevity. It is used for cooking, in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, as a fuel, for religious purposes, among many other uses. In this article, we will discuss the top 15 health benefits of olive oil.
• Rich in Antioxidants
Pollution from the environment, ultraviolet rays from the sun, smoking, and eating certain food can introduce certain molecules called free radicals to our bodies. These free radicals are dangerous to our body cells. They can damage the cells, cause infertility, cancer, hypertension, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and many serious ailments. Free radicals can also be produced as a result of our body’s metabolism. However, antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and protect the body against their damaging effects. Luckily, olive oil is extraordinarily rich in antioxidants. Adding extra virgin olive oil to your diet can effectively reduce the risk of many diseases caused by free radicals.
• Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Studies show that olive oil is good for the heart. Consuming it greatly lowers the risk of heart diseases. Olive oil, especially extra virgin oil, can lower blood pressure, hence preventing hypertension and high blood pressure. It slows down the rate of oxidation of LDL cholesterol and improves the conditions of the linings of the blood vessels. Olive oil is also good in preventing unwanted blood clotting. The lowest cases of cardiovascular diseases were recorded in the Mediterranean countries. It was not a coincidence that they were also the countries that consume extra virgin olive oil the most.
• Reduces the Risk of Stroke
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in many parts of the world. It is caused by the insufficient flow of blood to the brain. This may occur due to a blood clot. Luckily, olive oil reduces blood clots and promotes the proper flow of the blood. This effectively reduces the risk of stroke. Many studies have proven that people who add olive oil to their diet are less likely to suffer strokes when compared with those who do not consume the oil.
• Can Help in Weight Loss and Prevention of Obesity
Fats and oils are known to cause weight gain. However, there is nothing to suggest that olive oil is a culprit here. In fact, studies show that regular consumption of olive oil may help to reduce weight. You can also use it to fight against obesity and all the risks associated with it.
• Significant Anti-Inflammatory Property
One of the benefits of antioxidants is their anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil, being a strong antioxidant, has a strong anti-inflammatory property. Consuming extra virgin oil can effectively prevent inflammation and diseases caused by inflammation. Many studies have shown that olive oil can reduce the risk of diseases associated with chronic inflammation. Such conditions include cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Prevent Rheumatism
Still on the anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil. Consuming extra virgin olive oil regularly can significantly prevent or ease the symptoms of rheumatism or rheumatic arthritis. The inflammation of the joints causes rheumatism. What can lead to that has not been fully understood. You can take olive oil alone to fight against rheumatoid arthritis or together with omega-3 fatty acid. They work best when combined. Fish oil is a good source of omega 3 fatty acid.
• Lowers the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
As stated earlier, preventing inflammation will significantly reduce the risk of diseases associated with inflammation, of which Alzheimer’s disease is one of them. But beyond preventing inflammation, olive oil is believed to have other ways of fighting against Alzheimer’s disease. Although research in this field is limited, evidence shows that Alzheimer’s disease cases are lower among people that consume extra virgin olive oil regularly when compared with those that do not consume it.
• Can Prevent Bacteria Infection
Extra virgin olive oil has anti-microbial effects. It has been proven that it can fight against harmful bacteria in the body. By killing the bacteria that invade the body, this oil can effectively prevent bacterial diseases. Among the common bacterial infections that olive oil is known to be a good inhibitor is that from Helicobacter pylori. If this bacterial infection is left untreated, it can cause ulcers and even cancer.
• Reduces the Risk of Diabetes Mellitus
The level of sugar in the blood is regulated by the hormone called insulin. If the body fails to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar properly, it may lead to type-2 diabetes. Olive oil helps improve insulin sensitivity, hence preventing type-2 diabetes. Research shows that regular consumption of olive oil can reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes by as much as 40 percent.
• Has Anti-Cancer Effects
There are many reasons to believe that olive oil is responsible for lower cancer incidence among people whose diets are rich in the oil. First, olive oil is a good antioxidant, making it significantly lower the risk of some cancers. Also, olive oil works against inflammation which is another cause of cancer. Besides these, studies are already revealing certain substances in olive oil that can inhibit cancerous cells.
• Can Prevent Depression
Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide worldwide. Luckily adding olive oil to your diet has been found to help treat depression. Olive oil increases the level of production of a neurotransmitter called serotonin which can act as an antidepressant.
• Can Treat Constipation
If you suffer constipation, the remedy may be closer to you than you think. Drinking olive oil alone or mixing it with milk, orange juice, or lemon juice can improve gastrointestinal conditions and digestion. It will also aid mobility of bolus of food within the digestive system as well as easy cleaning of the bowel.
• Good for the Skin
Olive oil is perfect for giving you healthy, smooth, glowing, and radiant skin. It is rich in vitamin E and many other antioxidants. These ingredients have anti-ageing properties that help prevent wrinkling and ageing of your skin. With that, your skin will stay healthy and youthful. Also, applying olive oil to your skin after a shower will keep your skin moisturized for a long time. For glowing skin, you can apply olive oil alone on your body or mix it with other substances like honey and lemon before using it.
• Good for the Hair
When applied alone or with other ingredients, olive oil can help improve hair health. The Vitamin E present in olive oil is good for preventing hair loss and, when combined with ingredients like honey and egg yolk, it can immensely improve hair health.
The Take-Away
Olive oil has many health benefits. These include preventing diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and stroke. It can also fight against depression, bacteria infection, and inflammation. It is rich in antioxidants, slows down the rate of ageing, improves the health and condition of the skin and hair. Olive oil can also promote weight loss. Contact us today to get more tips on using olive oil to enhance better and sound health.
