Replacing Saturated Fat with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Has Multiple Benefits For Veterans
Updated 10th October 2022
- The Mediterranean Diet And Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can improve veterans’ health
- Increase in monounsaturated fats, including olive oil, is known to reduce inflammation.
- Inflammation can contribute to problems with blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
- There are five key signs of inflammation to look out for.
Recent studies have found a link between the health of veterans and adherence to the key principles of The Mediterranean Diet. A review from the US Department of Veterans who followed a Mediterranean Diet had reduced levels of inflammation. The reduced inflammation was associated with a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.The review adds to the growing body of evidence that the Mediterranean diet has a range of health benefits. This review provides further support for the idea that the diet could be beneficial for veterans, who often suffer from chronic health conditions, many of which relate to inflammation.
Access To The Mediterranean Diet Crucial For Reduced Inflammation
Access to healthy foods, including extra virgin olive oil, can help improve veterans’ health outcomes and quality of life, according to a major report.
The Whole Health recommendations from the Veterans Health Association, say that eating an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce chronic pain caused by inflammation.
Among the recommendations in the report is a reduction of saturated fats, to be replaced with monounsaturated fats, including olive oil. High quality extra virgin olive oil is known to reduce inflammation, blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
According to the Whole Health guidance, some experts suggest you get ¼ of your fat from saturated fats, ¼ from polyunsaturated, and ½ from monounsaturated. Many diets recommend that total fats add up to about ⅓ of all the calories you eat. You have to explore what works best for you.
Commenting on the report, a recent article from Michigan State University explains that chronic pain and obesity are common conditions among veterans. Referencing multiple academic sources, the article explains the link:
A Public Health Nutrition article links food insecurity, which affects as many as 25% of veterans, to chronic pain and obesity. Other factors that increase the rates of these conditions among veterans are the lower cost of unhealthy foods and dietary practices developed during military service. The need to eat high-fat and high-carbohydrate foods while in active service, coupled with a get-it-and-go culture, can influence eating habits upon return to civilian life.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil To Reduce Inflammation
Virgin olive oil is a natural and effective way to manage pain and inflammation. The oil is rich in antioxidants, in particular oleocanthal, and certain compounds that help to reduce swelling. It also has analgesic properties, which can help to soothe pain. What’s more, virgin olive oil is easily absorbed by the skin, making it an ideal treatment for localized pain and inflammation.
A healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, including extra virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold can help combat inflammatory diseases. The polyphenols Oleouropein Aglycone and Oleocanthal within extra virgin olive oil help to combat inflammatory diseases Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil is rich in both of these polyphenols.
Recognising The Signs Of Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to potential dangers or threats to our body. It can manifest in the form of acute or chronic inflammation.
According to VeryWellHealth, there are 5 Cardinal Signs of inflammation to watch out for. These are:
Pain
Inflammation can cause pain in joints and muscles. When inflammation is chronic, a person will experience high levels of pain sensitivity and stiffness. The inflamed areas may be sensitive to touch.
With both acute and chronic inflammation, pain is the result of inflammatory chemicals that stimulate nerve endings, causing the affected areas to feel more sensitive.
Heat
When inflamed areas of the body feel warm, it is because there is more blood flow in those areas. People with arthritic conditions may have inflamed joints that feel warm to the touch. The skin around those joints, however, may not have the same warmth. Whole-body inflammation may cause fevers as a result of the inflammatory response when someone has an illness or infection.
Redness
Inflamed areas of the body may appear red in color. This is because blood vessels of inflamed areas are filled with more blood than usual.
Swelling
Swelling is common when a part of the body is inflamed. It is the result of fluid accumulating in tissues either throughout the body or in the specific affected area. Swelling can occur without inflammation, especially with injuries.
Loss of Function
Inflammation may cause loss of function, related to both injury and illness. For example, an inflamed joint cannot be moved properly, or it can make it difficult to breathe due to a respiratory infection.
The reason for all these symptoms is the same: Cytokines released into the bloodstream lead to increased vascular permeability to allow migration of immune cells into tissues.