Benefits of Olive Oil
Introduction
Olive oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in the world. It has a high smoke point, which means it can be used as a cooking oil even at high temperatures. It's also high in monounsaturated fat and vitamin E which give it antioxidant benefits while its healthy saturated fats have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
Olive Oil and Lowering Cholesterol
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol and keep good cholesterol levels stable.
Oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat) is also found in olive oil and has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the "bad" type) while increasing HDL or "good" cholesterol.
Olive Oil and Anti-Aging
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, which help to slow down the aging process. It also contains vitamin E, polyphenols and squalene.
Olive oil also contains oleocanthal, a powerful compound that has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce pain caused by arthritis or other conditions.
Olive Oil and Weight Loss
Olive oil is a great way to lose weight. It helps you feel fuller for longer, which means that you'll be less likely to eat as much when given an opportunity. Olive oil also helps you stay full for longer, so even if you do eat more than your body needs, there's less room in your stomach for those extra calories than if you had eaten something else instead.
The best part about olive oil? It makes food taste better! This can help make eating healthier fun by making sure that every bite is enjoyable and satisfying with no sodium added or artificial chemicals (like preservatives).
Olive Oil and Inflammation
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study published by the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) can help reduce levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.
In addition to lowering your risk of heart disease, olive oil may also be beneficial for your brain and joints:
The Mediterranean diet has been found to improve mental well-being by reducing inflammation in the brain. This effect is thought to be due to its high MUFA content (1).
A 2014 review article on olive oil's benefits found that it could help prevent osteoarthritis (1).
Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Health
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In particular, the oleocanthal found in olive oil has been shown to be effective at lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Olive oil contains a variety of other nutrients as well, including vitamin E (which helps fight free radicals), folate (for pregnant women), riboflavin (for those with cataracts), magnesium (for those suffering from insomnia) and zinc (to support digestive health).
No wonder so many people are starting to use olive oil
Olive oil is a natural source of monounsaturated fats and other nutrients, including antioxidants. Olive oil also contains oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that's similar to linoleic acid (found in canola oil). It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Oleuropein, another compound found in olive oil, may help fight cancer by reducing inflammation in the body and speeding up DNA repair after injury or stressors like radiation therapy.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you learn more about the benefits of olive oil. I can't believe how many people are starting to use it. It's such a great natural remedy that is good for your heart, skin, and digestion!