The health benefits of olive oil are unrivalled, and research reveals more benefits nearly every day. Olive oil is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet – an essential nutritional mainstay for the world’s longest-living cultures.
You can learn about the many benefits that drinking just a small amount of olive oil can provide. The health benefits of olive oil are extensive. From antioxidants that protect blood cells from damage to cardiovascular benefits, it has lots of positives to offer no matter how you consume it. Drinking olive oil is also widely known for being an aid in losing weight. It can also help the body dramatically during old age.
Health benefits of Olive Oil:
Is Rich in Healthy Monounsaturated Fats
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. This fatty acid is believed to have many beneficial effects and is a healthy choice for cooking. Studies suggest that oleic acid reduces inflammation and may even have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.
Has Large Amounts of Antioxidants
Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, some of which have powerful biological effects. These antioxidants are biologically active and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They also fight inflammation and help protect your blood cholesterol from oxidation — two benefits that may lower your risk of heart disease.
Has Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is thought to be a leading driver of diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and even obesity.
Olive oil contains nutrients that fight inflammation. These include oleic acid as well as the antioxidant oleocanthal.
May Help Prevent Strokes
Stroke is caused by a disturbance of blood flow to your brain, either due to a blood clot or bleeding. Several large studies demonstrate that people who consume olive oil have a much lower risk of stroke, the second biggest killer in developed countries.
Is Protective Against Heart Disease
Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world. Extra virgin olive oil has numerous benefits for heart health. It lowers blood pressure, protects “bad” LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation and improves the function of blood vessels.
Not Associated With Weight Gain and Obesity
Eating excessive amounts of fat causes weight gain. Consuming olive oil does not appear to increase the likelihood of weight gain. Moderate intake may even aid weight loss.
May Fight Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative condition in the world. One of its key features is a buildup of so-called beta-amyloid plaques inside your brain cells.
May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Olive oil appears to be highly protective against type 2 diabetes. Several studies have linked olive oil to beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.
The Antioxidants in Olive Oil Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the world. The antioxidants in olive oil can reduce oxidative damage due to free radicals, which is believed to be a leading driver of cancer. More research is needed to determine whether olive oil, in fact, reduces your risk of cancer.
Can Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by deformed and painful joints. Olive oil supplements appear to improve inflammatory markers and reduce oxidative stress in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Olive oil seems particularly beneficial when combined with fish oil, a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Has Antibacterial Properties
Olive oil contains many nutrients that can inhibit or kill harmful bacteria. Extra virgin olive oil has antibacterial properties and has been found to be particularly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacterium that can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
