Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil is known for having multiple positive attributes and it has been used since the ancient times for the treatment of various conditions. Some doctors recommend you to consume extra virgin olive oil every day (a minimum of 2 tablespoons) so as to benefit from its numerous healthy properties. Olive oil will not only fight against viruses and boost your immune system, it can also combat some of the following diseases.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is usually caused by high blood cholesterol levels. Olive oil is one of the few fatty products that are beneficial for your heart, by lowering the cholesterol levels in your blood.

Cancer

Olive oil contains a phytonutrient called oleocanthal, whose effects are similar to ibuprofen and have the ability to reduce inflammation. Thus, it is effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer. The researchers are studying the anti-cancer effects of other 2 ingredients found in the olive oil: lignans and squalene.

Blood Pressure

As mentioned before, olive oil is beneficial for your heart and it has been proven that is helpful in decreasing the diastolic and systolic blood pressure.

Oxidative Stress

Numerous antioxidants can be found in olive oil, one of them being vitamin E. They can minimize the cancer risk. At the same time, this type of beneficial oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, meaning that it hasn’t got the ability to oxidize in your body, thus relieving stress. At the same time, olive oil has very small amounts of polyunsaturated fat that oxidizes in the body.

Obesity

People usually associate fat and oils with obesity and overweight. However, olive oil has been proven to be one of the few products containing calories that are efficient in reducing the obesity levels. So, even if you’re on a diet, you can consume olive oil without any remorse.

Diabetes

Numerous studies have found that diabetes can be prevented with a diet rich in soluble fiber and carbohydrates taken from grains, fruit, pulses and vegetables, low in fats that are saturated and rich in the miraculous olive oil. This type of regime can reduce the low-density lipoproteins, enhance the insulin sensitivity and meliorate the blood sugar control.

Osteoporosis

When consumed daily, olive oil has been proven to improve the bone calcification and mineralization. Moreover, it promotes the calcium absorption and it can relieve the pain of those suffering from osteoporosis. At the same time, it can prevent the onset of this condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Various studies are still conducted on this subject, but most of them have shown that people who are consuming olive oil on a regular basis have less chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Stroke

It has been proven that older people who take at least 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily can prevent the apparition of a stroke. The study that demonstrated this aspect was conducted on people who didn’t have a history of stroke. However, it was shown that olive oil can protect individual from a stroke no matter their diet, weight or physical condition.