Olive oil is something most people use in their cooking and Mediterranean-inspired diet, but the benefits of olive oil go way beyond that. Actually, taking olive oil orally or as a supplement on a regular basis for a prolonged time can have a tremendously positive influence on the person’s general health and well-being.
Olive Oil Reduces the Risk of Heart Problems
Collected data shows that people following a Mediterranean diet, which is abundant in olive oil, tend to have around 30% less chance to suffer from cardiovascular problems. Essentially, olive oil has properties that can help promote blood vessel health, reduce inflammation and cholesterol oxidation, lower blood pressure, and manage blood clotting. All of this contributes to better heart health as a whole.
Olive Oil Aids Cancer Prevention
Cancer is characterized by uncontrollable cell growth. Unfortunately, the cure for cancer is still unknown but it’s believed that regular consumption of olive oil can minimize the risk of getting cancer in the first place.
Essentially, the biggest cancer concern has everything to do with the external molecules known as free radicals that can harm the body and damage the cells in the process of oxidation. Olive oil has the ability to reduce this harmful oxidation, consequently minimizing the influence of free radicals and the chance of cancerous cell growth.
It Boosts Brain Power
The benefits of olive oil are many, including its ability to improve brain function. Common brain degeneration issues and cognitive impairment are caused by the accumulation of so-called beta-amyloid plaques in the brain neurons. The compounds found in olive oil can break up these plaques, thus clearing the buildup associated with cognitive problems and even more serious conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Olive Oil Is a Powerful Antioxidant
As mentioned, free radicals can do a lot of damage to human health as they attack the cells internally. Olive oil that’s rich in nutrients and antioxidants can effectively fight these free radicals in order to create an ideal balance inside the body. This is thanks to the compounds found in olive oil known as polyphenols. Essentially, polyphenols in olive oil possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which is crucial for removing harmful external influences and soothing existing inflammation. Aside from consuming olive oil, it’s also possible to take olive oil extract as a supplement in order to get as many benefits from a high concentration of polyphenols as possible.
A Great Source of Healthy Fats
We all know that saturated fats are bad for our health, but, on the other hand, monounsaturated fats can do a lot of good for one’s well-being. Again, a diet that’s rich in monounsaturated fats can contribute to better heart health, thus minimizing the risk of potential cardiovascular problems.
That said, it’s important to note that olive oil contains more than 70% of these healthy monounsaturated fats. Consuming it on a regular basis as a supplement or through diet can effectively manage the cholesterol and blood pressure levels, as well as reduce chronic inflammation markers.
Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Aside from cardiovascular problems and cancer, diabetes is another health problem that affects a large number of people in this day and age with potentially tragic outcomes. Essentially, type 2 diabetes renders the insulin in the body almost useless, which means that the sugar remains in the blood. The mentioned phenolic compounds found in olive oil have been observed to improve insulin efficiency. In that respect, consuming this oil on a regular basis can also end up bettering the sugar levels in the blood. The risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes splits in half thanks to olive oil, while people already dealing with this condition report a notable normalization of their glucose levels.
Stronger Bones and Joints
Experiencing bone loss with age is a relatively normal process. However, severe bone loss can make the bones more prone to fractures and cause severe joint pain, which can end up affecting one’s freedom of movement. The mentioned polyphenols have a rather important role in bone reformation as well. Essentially, these compounds boost the production of calcium in the bones, thus preventing the overall bone loss and weakening. Aging and lack of calcium go hand in hand, but that doesn’t have to be overly excessive thanks to the regular use of olive oil in one’s diet and supplement intake.
Feel free to use olive oil as your cooking oil as well. It can resist high heat rather well, which allows it to add a nutritional boost to every meal and even protect the nutrients found in other ingredients. You can get twice as many health benefits from your food when you prepare the dishes with olive oil instead of the typical sunflower oil, so make it a staple in your pantry.
About The Author
Taylor Parker is an American based writer and blogger. She is very passionate about family, fashion, health, and lifestyle. Taylor writes mostly lifestyle articles, but also you’ll find her in home improvement and other niches.