Health Benefits
Olive oil has always been an integral part of the Mediterranean Diet. Although red wine, lots of fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables also play a huge part in the diet’s success, scientists agree that it wouldn’t be nearly as beneficial without olive oil.
Olive oil is proven to protect your health. Scientists discover more and more substances in the oil of the Mediterranean fruit with impressive effects, such as preventing breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more recently depression and the so-called Metabolic Syndrome, according to the Centre of Health in Germany (Zentrum der Gesundheit). The daily consumption of 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (as a replacement for conventional fats) can be helpful for many diseases.
Oxidative Stress
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E, long thought to minimize cancer risk. Among plant oils, olive oil is the highest in monounsaturated fat, which doesn’t oxidize in the body.
Diabetes
It has been demonstrated that a diet that is rich in 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 helps lower “bad” low-density lipoproteins while improving blood sugar control and enhances insulin sensitivity.
Depression
Researchers discovered that a higher intake of olive oil and polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish and vegetable oils is associated with a lower risk of depression.
Improve Memory
Some research has shown that olive oil can prevent and possibly even reverse the memory loss that accompanies Alzheimer’s disease.
Weight Loss
Olive oil makes you feel satiated and therefor you eat less and have fewer sugar cravings.
Reduce
bad cholesterol levels
Olive oil contains polyphenols, which help to keep your levels of LDL cholesterol within healthy ranges.
Blood Pressure
Recent studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The Mediterranean Diet has been proven to be one of the healthiest in the world!
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Recent studies have proved that people with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Stroke
People who eat diets rich in olive oil, which contains plasma oleic acid, have fewer strokes.
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. Olive oil has also been found to protect the skin against the damaging effects of UV rays, therefore from skin cancer.
Osteoporosis
A high consumption of olive oil appears to improve bone mineralization and calcification. It helps calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis
Heart Attacks
A 2008 study showed that men who consumed at least two ounces of olive oil daily reduced their chances of having a heart attack by 82 percent as compared to men who consumed no olive oil.