Health Benefits Of Olive Oil

Awesome Health Benefits Of Olive Oil

Olive oil has been around much longer than you or I. In some cultures, olives are an important part of their community. Extra virgin olive oil is the greatest quality of premium olive oil. People use olive oil for all sorts of stuff, including medicine, cosmetics, and soaps. However, there are great health benefits of olive oil when you consume it too!

To find out more about olive oil and how to find the best one while shopping, please visit the page: “What Is Olive Oil?”

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Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation occurs when body repairs are needed and to shield us from illnesses. However, a poor diet, stress, and other contributors can cause the body to fight itself.

73% of olive oil is made up of a fatty acid called oleic acid. It’s a monounsaturated fat and offers great health benefits, including damage prevention caused by free radicals (oxidative stress). Oleic acid fights against inflammation which is connected to many diseases such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and arthritis.

Another inflammatory fighting agent found in olive oil is known as oleocanthal. This substance has been compared to ibuprofen, a well trusted anti-inflammatory drug. A study was done that concluded that antioxidants found in olive oil can inhibit proteins and genes that ignite inflammation. [1]

Promotes Heart Health

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in developed countries. Stroke is number two! [2] However, there are studies that prove that olive oil lowers the risk of stroke. It’s been proven to lower blood pressure, which is one of the main causes of heart disease and premature demise. One study proved that olive oil reduces the necessity for blood pressure medicine by 48%! [3, 4]

Olive oil is a huge component of the Mediterranean diet. People who live there have a lower risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease (compared to Northern Europeans and North Americans).

Also, the heart automatically begins to age and deteriorate with time. The great news is monounsaturated fats (like olive oil) can improve the function of the arteries in elderly people.

Kills Off Dangerous Bacteria

There are many great nutrients within olive oil that kill harmful bacteria. [5] One of these is called Helicobacter pylori, which is a harmful bacteria that dwell in your stomach. It can lead to stomach ulcers and even stomach cancer.

Fights Depression

Unfortunately, a large amount of trans fat in someone’s diet can lead to depression. Trans fat is used in fast foods and a bunch of processed junk foods. However, consuming olive oil can reduce the risk of depression since it’s full of healthy fats. As someone who used to suffer from depression, a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients combined with exercise is a great way to counteract feelings of depression.

Wars Against Cancer

Olives contain hydroxytyrosol, acteosides, phenyl propionic acids, and other anticancer agents. During a case-control study organized in 1995 in Italy concluded that higher consumption of olive oil was directly connected to a lower risk of developing breast cancer. [6]

Increases Bone Strength

Consuming olive oil is a great way to improve bone calcification and mineralization. It can increase the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Osteoporosis is more likely to be avoided this way. As we grow in age, olive oil will prove to be an important factor in our diets.

Full Of Healthy Fats

Eating healthy fats aids in weight loss because fats help reduces hunger, overeating, and cravings. Also, the brain mostly consists of fatty acids. This means we must intake a high level of fatty acids on a regular basis to function properly. [7] Our brains control everything, from our emotions to our thought patterns. We cannot expect to live a life of excellence without first getting the necessary nutrients that we need.

Olive oil is known as a brain food that enhances memory and focus. Plus, people are more likely to suffer from mood or cognitive disorders if the brain isn’t receiving all the nutrients it needs to operate correctly.

Healthy fats also fight aging and cancer-promoting properties such as cellular stress. [8]

Conclusion

Olive oil is a substance that should definitely make its way into your diet. It offers so many health benefits including:

Reduced inflammation
A healthier heart
Less dangerous bacteria
Fights depression
Cancer-fighting agents
Stronger bones
Healthy fats

Do you already consume olive oil? What’s your favorite way to incorporate it into a meal? Feel free to share any recipes you have, opinions, or comments. If you’ve found this article helpful, please share it using one of the buttons below to support this blog.

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3 thoughts on “Health Benefits Of Olive Oil”

Sammer

October 25, 2018 at 4:37 am Reply

What a helpful article!
Jen

November 15, 2018 at 11:09 am Reply

I knew olive oil was a good option but I had no idea it had so many benefits! Thanks for the info!
1. Infinity Osewa
  
  August 15, 2020 at 12:13 pm Reply
  
  I love Olive oil! I had no idea it helped fight depression!!! Thank you for teaching me something new.

Ariel Shanelle

Wealth | Fitness