According to Hippocrates, food is our medicine and many nutritionists agree that olive oil is one good example of that. However, not all people consume equal amounts of olive oil. For example, people in Greece consume about 5 gallons (20 liters) a year while Americans consume less than ½ gallon (2 liters) on average.
In addition to being one of the richest sources of monounsaturated fat, this oil comes with many other health benefits. Olive oil was considered to be a very healthy oil for centuries, but modern scientific studies were able to prove its health benefits. Now let’s see how only one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil affects your health.
Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil keeps the body safe from cancer
A specific compound that is part of olive oil can lead to fast cell death in cancer cells. This oil is rich in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants. All the substances and compounds found in olive oil work on slowing the growth and progress of tumors in breasts. It looks like this oil has the ability to inhibit specific proteins that cancer cells use in order to spread.
In addition, olive oil keeps our DNA safe from problems caused by dangerous cancer cells.
2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Boosts your Immune System
This oil is rich in antioxidants needed for protecting and strengthening the immune system which means that it makes you more resistant to inflammation and infection.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Keeps your Heart Healthy
In a recent scientific study, people who used olive oil regularly for dressing and cooking had almost 50% fewer chances of stroke compared to people who practiced the same diet without using olive oil. This oil also contains polyphenols, compounds that can stabilize the presence of LDL cholesterol in the system.
4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Reduces the Chances of Alzheimer’s disease
A study published in the reputable journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology has confirmed that oleocanthal, a phenylethanoid found in olive oil, binds to toxic proteins that block the synapses located in the hippocampus which is known as the first stage of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The part of the brain where the hippocampus is located is most affected by this disease.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Supports Weight Loss
It has been confirmed that this oil has the ability to increase fat oxidation rate after ingestion. In other words, when you consume extra virgin oil in any way, you are supporting fat burning.
6. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soothes Inflammation and Pain
A team of scientists from Australia, Italy, Spain, and the United States has found that olive oil provides many different health benefits and it is very helpful in soothing pain and inflammation.
There are hundreds of companies that produce olive oil, but you must look for the oil that is worth the price. Try to find olive oil with rich green color which was manufactured through a cold-press process. If you want to cook with this oil, use virgin olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil which is suitable for dressing.
References: Kardamas | Medical News Today | Bio Armonia