Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Choosing olive oil as your main source of dietary oil or fat, as well as eating a healthy and balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals, may reduce your risk of chronic disease development and also increase life expectancy. Traditionally boasting low cholesterol, fewer instances of heart disease and very little obesity, the Mediterranean diet has always been defined by the liberal use of extra virgin olive oil.

According to medical experts, these essential properties give olive oil health benefits. It helps protect against heart disease, aids in digestion, and has been known to promote healthy aging. Promote healthy eating habits for you and your family by making olive oil a delicious, nutritious addition to your diet.

Cholesterol and Heart Health

Despite the drama surrounding the use of fats and oils, these things are an essential part of a balanced eating plan. The key is to choose your fats wisely. Olive oil is one of the healthiest types of fat around. The monounsaturated fat in olive oil has been shown to control LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. This can potentially lower your risk of heart disease.

Blood pressure

Adding small amount of extra virgin olive oil in the daily diet and continuing with the usual treatments for1 high blood pressure can actually improve blood pressure. Taking olive leaf extract also helps to lower blood pressure.

Diabetes Benefits

Diabetes causes severe spikes and drops in blood sugar levels, so people with this disease have to be very careful to maintain blood sugar. One way to do this is to eat a diet low in carbohydrates. Now, some researchers are starting to think that a diet high in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, is even more effective. On this page you'll learn about the latest research on how to use olive oil to manage diabetes.

Skin and Hair

The antioxidants contained in olive oil can benefit more than your heart. Because this substance prevents cell destruction, it fights the signs of aging and gives you a more youthful appearance. When applied topically, olive oil moisturizes and softens dry skin. Since the product is natural, adverse reactions are not common.

Protects Liver

As said previously, olive oil is full of antioxidants, which provide protection to our liver from severe oxidative stress and keeps it healthy. When various molecules present in our body start reacting chemically with the free radicals, we develop oxidative stress, which ultimately takes a toll on the structure and activities of our body cells. But, the antioxidant content of olive oil can shield our hepatic tissues from this damage, maintaining a good and healthy liver.

Inflammation Benefits

Inflammation is the immune system's first line of defense against injury and infection. It's a natural process that is designed to heal. But too much of a good thing can be painful and ultimately harmful to the body, even going so far as causing organ damage and diabetes. Fortunately, olive oil has a compound called oleocanthal that controls inflammation. Learn more about inflammation and why olive oil keeps it in check on this page.

Keeps Bone Healthy

Olive oil can promote the absorption of calcium in our body, which is extremely necessary for the mineralization as well as calcification of our bones. It also prevents our bones from getting fragile by maintaining their mass. Therefore, we do not end up developing serious bone disorders like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.