How Can The Best Olive Oil Contribute To Good Health?
Updated May 2nd 2023
Summary:
- Extra virgin olive oil, considered the gold standard of olive oils, has been widely praised for its incredible health benefits. Scientific research has led to the discovery that this oil is packed with polyphenols, powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- In addition, studies have shown that consuming extra virgin olive oil can improve cognitive function, promote healthy aging, enhance bone health, and even help with weight management. It’s no wonder that it’s become a staple in the Mediterranean diet, where people enjoy a long-life expectancy and overall good health. With its delicious taste and numerous health benefits, incorporating Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil into your diet is a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being.
Contents:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is Rich in Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Contains Low Amounts of Antioxidants
- Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties of EVOO
- It May Help Prevent Strokes
- Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Protects Against Heart Disease
- Worried About Weight Gain and Obesity? Walk this way.
- Olive Oil May Fight Alzheimer’s Disease
- It May Also Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk
- The Antioxidants in Extra Virgin Olive Oil Have Anti-Cancer Properties
- Olive Oil Can Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Don’t Forget Its Antibacterial Properties
When it comes to listing the health benefits of olive oil, there is a never ending bank of scientific research and evidence to choose from. To keep you focussed, here are some of the key benefits of olive oil which is derived from cold pressed olives at a premium source such as those which make Morocco Gold.
Is Olive Oil Good For You?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the healthiest choices you can make to reduce the risk of many life-threatening conditions, including heart disease and raised ldl (bad) cholesterol.
1/ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is Rich in Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Olive oil is the natural oil extracted from olives, the fruit of the olive tree. About 14% of the oil is saturated fat, whereas 11% is polyunsaturated, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. But the predominant fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, making up 73% of the total oil content.Studies suggest that oleic acid reduces inflammation and may even have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer. Monounsaturated fats are also quite resistant to high heat, making extra virgin olive oil a healthy choice for cooking.
2/ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Contains Large Amounts of Antioxidants
Extra virgin olive oil is nutritious. Apart from its beneficial fatty acids, it contains modest amounts of vitamins E and K. But olive oil is also loaded with powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants are biologically active and may reduce your risk of chronic diseases. They also fight inflammation and help protect your blood cholesterol from oxidation — two benefits that may lower your risk of heart disease.
3/ Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties of EVOO
Chronic inflammation is thought to be a leading driver of diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and even obesity. Extra-virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation, which may be one of the main reasons for its health benefits.The main anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by the antioxidants. Key among them is oleocanthal, which has been shown to work similarly to ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.Research also suggests that oleic acid, the main fatty acid in olive oil, can reduce levels of important inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).
4/ It May Help Prevent Strokes
Stroke is caused by a disturbance of blood flow to your brain, either due to a blood clot or bleeding. In developed nations, stroke is the second most common cause of death, right behind heart disease.The relationship between olive oil and stroke risk has been studied extensively. A large review of studies in 841,000 people found that olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease.In another review in 140,000 participants, those who consumed olive oil were at a much lower risk of stroke than those who did not.
5/ Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Protects Against Heart Disease
Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world. Observational studies conducted a few decades ago showed that heart disease is less common in Mediterranean countries. This led to extensive research on the Mediterranean diet, which has now been shown to significantly reduce heart disease risk.Extra virgin olive oil is one of the key ingredients in this diet, protecting against heart disease in several ways. It lowers inflammation, protects “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidation, improves the lining of your blood vessels and may help prevent excessive blood clotting.Interestingly, it has also been shown to lower blood pressure, which is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease and premature death. In one study, olive oil reduced the need for blood pressure medication by 48%. Dozens — if not hundreds — of studies indicate that extra virgin olive oil has powerful benefits for your heart.
If you have heart disease, a family history of heart disease or any other major risk factor, you may want to include plenty of extra virgin olive oil in your diet.
6/ Worried About Weight Gain and Obesity? Walk this way.
Eating excessive amounts of fat causes weight gain. However, numerous studies have linked the Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, with favourable effects on body weight.In a 30-month study in over 7,000 Spanish college students, consuming a lot of olive oil was not linked to increased weight. Additionally, one three-year study in 187 participants found that a diet rich in olive oil was linked to increased levels of antioxidants in the blood, as well as weight loss.
7/ Olive Oil May Fight Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative condition in the world. One of its key features is a build-up of so-called beta-amyloid plaques inside your brain cells.One study in mice showed that a substance in olive oil can help remove these plaques. Additionally, a human study indicated that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil benefitted brain function.Keep in mind that more research is needed on the impact of olive oil on Alzheimer’s.
8/ It May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Olive oil appears to be highly protective against type 2 diabetes. Several studies have linked olive oil to beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.A randomized clinical trial in 418 healthy people recently confirmed the protective effects of olive oil. In this study, a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by over 40%.
9/ The Antioxidants in Extra Virgin Olive Oil Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the world. People in Mediterranean countries have a lower risk of some cancers, and many researchers believe that olive oil may be the reason.The antioxidants in olive oil can reduce oxidative damage due to free radicals, which is believed to be a leading driver of cancer.More research is needed to determine whether olive oil in fact reduces your risk of cancer.
10/ Olive Oil Can Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by deformed and painful joints. Though the exact cause is not well understood, it involves your immune system attacking normal cells by mistake.Olive oil supplements appear to improve inflammatory markers and reduce oxidative stress in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Olive oil seems particularly beneficial when combined with fish oil, a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
11/ Don’t Forget It’s Antibacterial Properties
Olive oil contains many nutrients that can inhibit or kill harmful bacteria. One of these is Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that lives in your stomach and can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.Test-tube studies have shown that extra virgin olive oil fights eight strains of this bacterium, three of which are resistant to antibiotics. A study in humans suggested that 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil, taken daily, can eliminate Helicobacter pylori infection in 10–40% of people in as little as two weeks.
Make Sure to Get the Right Type
Buying the right kind of olive oil is extremely important. Extra virgin olive oil retains some of the antioxidants and bioactive compounds from olives. For this reason, it’s considered healthier than the more refined variety of olive oil.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, quality extra virgin olive oil is incredibly healthy. Due to its powerful antioxidants, it benefits your heart, brain, joints and more. In fact, it may be the healthiest food on the planet.
Written by Joe Leech, MS
Web Site: Healthline.com
