How Healthy Is Olive Oil? 6 Best Reasons!
Olive oil is a dietary fat globally recognized for its healthcare benefits, but do you know how healthy is olive oil?
Olive oil is scientifically proven to be rich in antioxidants which are suitable for the body.
It contains mostly monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which researchers acknowledge as a type of healthful fat.
If you’re eager to know more about olive oil’s health benefits, keep on scrolling. please read here what is healthy portion of pasta.
What Is Olive Oil?
The first thing we need to know what olive oil is.
Olive oil is obtained from olives, which are considered the Mediterranean’s traditional crop.
It is produced through pressing the olives then the oil that seeps out is gathered.
Olive oil is used in medicine, soaps, fuel for lamps, and cooking.
It can be partnered with bread, pasta, cookies, and salad. Some even drink olive oil for medicinal benefits.
Indeed olive oil has proven its versatility.
There are various types of olive oil, such as virgin, extra virgin, and refined olive oil. please read here what does virgin olive oil mean.
Manufacturers labelled them according to their extraction, content, and chemical processes.
6 Reasons: How Healthy Is Olive Oil
Here are some beneficial effects of consuming olive oil on the body.
If you're eager to know more, keep on scrolling.
Reason #1. Improves heart health
Some research has proven that olive oil helps in boosting heart health.
Olive oil contains an active compound that aids in lowering blood pressure and prevents arteries from hardening.
It is believed that people who take olive oil as a part of a healthy diet have a higher life expectancy. please read here what is pasta healthier pasta or rice.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended daily consumption of it, which is around two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to reduce cardiovascular disease.
Extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that offers protection from stroke, brain dysfunction, cancer, and heart disease.
Reason #2. Lessens the risk of depression
According to a study conducted last 2020, almost 264 million people suffer from the plague of depression around the world.
It is believed that depression is one of the leading causes of disability and widespread disease.
There are promising solutions like psychological and medicinal treatments for depression. One of these is olive oil.
A study on rodents claimed that extra virgin olive oil contains an ingredient that safeguards the nervous system.
And they suggested this type of oil could help in treating anxiety and depression.
Reason #3. Anti-inflammation
Inflammation can lead to chronic diseases in our body, such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Antioxidants in olive oil help in reducing inflammation, just like what commercially available medicine does.
Oleocanthal is an example of an antioxidant present in extra virgin olive oil.
Scientists suggest that fifty (50) ml of extra virgin olive oil has the same effect as a 10% dosage of an anti-inflammatory medicine called ibuprofen.
Another study showed that antioxidants in olive oil could slow down genes that cause inflammation.
Reason #4. Lowers risk of cancer
Cancer is one of the dangerous diseases nowadays; it is believed that people who add olive oil as part of their diet have a lower risk of acquiring cancer.
Antioxidants in olive oil are proven to help reduce damage from free radicals, which are believed to be the reason for cancer.
This type of cancer includes breast, prostate, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers.
Reason #5. Prevent alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the common neurodegenerative disorders globally; it is mostly experienced by people ages 65 years old and above.
Some scientists suggest last 2016 that incorporating extra virgin olive oil in your diet can help reduce the risk of having Alzheimer's disease.
This olive oil grade contains an ingredient that serves as a protection on blood vessels in the human brain.
Oleocanthal is the compound that occurs in extra virgin olive oil.
This phenolic compound present in extra virgin olive oil is called oleocanthal.
It is believed that taking oleocanthal-rich extra virgin olive oil can impede the progression of having this disease.
Reason #6. For rheumatoid arthritis treatment
It is an inflammatory disease that can affect not just your joints.
It can also damage your eyes, skin, lungs, blood vessels, and heart.
It is characterized as the deformation and pain in joints. This disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks your normal cells in the body.
Furthemore, it aims to improve and lessen oxidative stress, especially ideal for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
It is best combined, particularly with fish oil, another source of anti-inflammatory fats.
Olive oil has indeed proven itself to be healthy and beneficial to our immune system and body.
Choosing the right grade of oil is a must. Therefore you should still carefully check the labels and ingredients of the product.
Remember, some olive oils have undergone chemical processes, so opt for a healthier and guaranteed option which is extra virgin olive oil.
This oil grade is certified to be rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds, which are proven healthier than more refined olive oils.
Try to look up Torre & Olives to shop for quality pasta and best organic extra-virgin olive oil.
Final Words
I hope your question on how healthy is olive oil has been answered.
Healthy dietary fat such as olive oil is beneficial so many ways though still, you must take this into control.
On top of it all, eating in moderation is still the key.
As olive oils are still a fat concentrated solution which makes it a source of calories, consuming this without control may even lead to weight gain and obesity. please read here how many calories in pasta.
May the information shared through this article can help you in many ways.
Know that your dedication to learn and read the article up to this point is much appreciated. Thank you!