Olive oil is considered as being a liquid gold as it adds taste to our food but is also one of nature’s healing wonders. It just so happens that nature has provided us with a food that the dietary fats contained in olive oil, are in the exact ratio that human beings need them. Below are some of the main health benefits of olive oil.
Heart Benefits – Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants like chlorophyll, carotenoids and vitamin E. The Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) also known as the “bad cholesterol” transports and deposits cholesterol in the tissues and arteries, which can eventually block the arteries leading to deficient blood flow and all kinds of heart problems. The high levels of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil not only lower LDL levels protecting you from atherosclerosis, but also allow the High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) the “good cholesterol” to clean the cholesterol away from the arteries.
Inflammation Benefits – The healthy fats in olive oil are used by the body to create natural anti-inflammatory agents which help reduce the severity of both arthritis and asthma. Cell membranes that are not inflamed are able to transport healthy nutrients into the cells and move the waste products out.
Cancer Benefits – A study published in the January 2005 issue of Annals of Oncology (which is a peer-reviewed medical journal of tumors and cancers), showed that a monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil called oleic acid, has the ability to reduce the affect of an oncogene. An oncogene is a gene that in certain circumstances transforms a cell into a cancer cell.
Another research which included over 36,000 participants conducted by the University of Athens revealed that high rates of olive oil consumption, is associated with lower odds of having any type of cancer.
Diabetes Benefits – A Spanish study published in the Scientific Journal Diabetes Care revealed that a Mediterranean style diet, rich in olive oil, reduces by almost 50% the risk of type II diabetes when compared to a low fat diet. Previously it was prescribed that a low fat diet can prevent various diseases such as heart diseases and diabetes, whereas it now appears that it is the “type” of fat that counts rather than the actual amount of fat. Adding olive oil to your diet can also lower your triglyceride levels. Many diabetics live with high triglyceride levels which increases their risk for heart diseases.
Weight-Loss Benefits – Being overweight goes hand in hand with high levels of cholesterol, heart disease and other ailments. In a study conducted and published in the September 2003 issue of the British Journal of Nutrition, it was found that a significant loss of body weight and fat mass can be achieved by changing only one eating habit; the substitution of saturated fats with olive oil.
By merely switching to monounsaturated fats from saturated fats, you will not only lose that extra weight, but also help you fight against other diseases. By also adding a regular regimen of exercise, you’re on your way to an overall healthier lifestyle.
Other Key Facts of Olive Oil
There is no doubt that the health benefits of olive oil are amazing and that is why it is considered as a “super food”, but like all foods that are beneficial to us, you cannot go overboard when consuming them. Even though olive oil contains healthy fats, it is still high in calories and should be used with moderation. It is thought that about 4 tablespoons of olive oil a day can add to your healthy diet.
|
|
|
|
Return From Health Benefits Of Olive Oil To Home Page
NOTE: If you would like to add comments on the above article or if you have any personal opinions and know of other health benefits of olive oil, we would be grateful and honored if you shared your thoughts and ideas in the "comment" section below. Adding olive oil recipes would also be a big bonus.
Green Olive Sauce
Ingredients:
1½ cups green pimiento-stuffed olives
2/3 cup Olive oil
½ cup minced parsley
1 sweet red bell pepper, seeded, with ribs removed, and minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1½ ounces anchovy fillets, drained and mashed with a fork
¼ cup capers
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
Directions:
1. Chop olives coarsely.
2. Put in a ceramic, stainless steel or glass bowl along with olive oil, parsley, bell pepper, anchovies, capers, garlic, oregano and black pepper.
3. Stir to blend. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 1 week.
4. Serve at room temperature.
Serves: 3 cups
Pasta with Lemon Olive Oil
Ingredients:
Zest of 1 lemon
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1-2 large garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, pitted and sliced
2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme or basil
Salt and freshly coarse ground black pepper
1 pound favorite pasta
Directions:
1. Zest or grate the lemon and combine with the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, olives, thyme, and the salt, and pepper in a large serving bowl.
2. Toss the hot cooked pasta with the sauce.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.