Olive Oil & Health
The modest amount of well-balanced polyunsaturated fatty acids in olive oil is well protected by antioxidant substances.
It is widely believed that antioxidant substances such as vitamins E, K and polyphenols found in olive oil provide a defense mechanism that delays aging and prevents carcinogenesis, therosclerosis, liver disorders and inflammations. It also has beneficial effects on brain and nervous system development as well as on overall growth. It shields the body against infection and helps in the healing of tissues, internal and external.
Only animal-derived foods contain cholesterol. Olive oil is cholesterol-free. Cholesterol is not entirely harmful; it is an essential building block for cell membranes, nerve fiber coverings, vitamin D and sex hormones.
The body manufactures all the cholesterol it needs, so any cholesterol in foods we eat is excessive. Excess cholesterol causes a gradual accumulation of fatty deposits and connective tissue, known as plaque, along the walls of blood vessels.
Eventually, plaque builds up, narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow, in this way increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Olive oil has been regarded as the "beauty oil". The body's cells incorporate the valuable fatty acids from the oil, making arteries more supple and skin more lustrous. The amount of oleic acid in olive oil is about the same as that found in a mother's milk and is thus the best growth supplement for infants.
Olive oil dissolves clots in capillaries, has been found to lower the degree of absorption of edible fats, and consequently slows down the aging process.
There are three kinds of dietary fats: saturated (animal), polyunsaturated (plants, seeds, nuts, vegetable oils), and monounsaturated (olive oil).
All types of olive oil are approximately the same, with 80% monounsaturated, 14% saturated, 9% polyunsaturated fats on average.
Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, D, E and K and in iron. Olive oil, which is beneficial to the digestive system, does not necessarily keep you thin; it contains just as many calories as other oils (9cal/g).
The history of olive tree dates back to ancient times and goes hand in hand with that of the Mediterranean people who make it the symbol of life, peace and prosperity.
The health and therapeutic benefits of olive oil were first mentioned by Hippocrates, the father of medicine. For centuries, its nutritional, cosmetic and medicinal benefits have been recognized by the people of the Mediterranean, being used to maintain skin and muscle suppleness, heal abrasions, and soothe the burning and drying effects of sun and water.
Cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases are really common these days, extra virgin olive oil, with its high contents of oleic acid and rich in natural inoxidizing substances, represents the best savoring for whom decides to follow a modern and healthy diet.
Drunk before a meal, olive oil protects the stomach from ulcers. If a spoon or two is taken with lemon or coffee, it prevents constipation without irritating the intestinal tract. It is also effective in treating urinary tract infections and gall bladder problems.
Known as a perfect remedy for gastritis in children, it also accelerates brain development and strengthens the bones.
7 Very Healthy Reasons to Turn to Olive Oil
Olive oil is commonly used in the Mediterranean diet (one of the most recommended for a healthy lifestyle) and you may have heard of the olive oil brings many benefits. You may have also heard that Extra Virgin Olive Oil is even better for your health.
However, I can tell you that even in those household where this great natural resource is regularly used, people may not know what the main benefits of olive oil are.
Olive oil is probably one of the oldest oils to be used by many civilisations and its use dates as far back as the Egyptian Empire! These archaic societies discovered the benefits of olive oil by using it over the centuries but recent research has proven olive oil health benefits in the following areas:1) Olive oil reduces the of risk of cardiovascular diseases
In those Mediterranean countries where olive oil is consumed a lot, (such as Greece, Italy, and Spain), there is a low incidence of cardiovascular disease. The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil helps protect your body’s digestive tract.
2)Olive oil has shown beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis
Using olive oil as main dressing oil helps preventing constipation and in general maintains the digestive tract in good health.
3) Olive oil helps to reduce blood pressure
A study was done in 2002 that showed that Virgin Olive Oil might help with lowering cholesterol. (See: Effects of an onion-olive oil maceration product containing essential ingredients of the Mediterranean diet on blood pressure and blood fluidity). The results? After one week of taking olive oil daily (minus any “good foods and drinks… or fatty foods), the blood tests showed that the participants had higher levels of phenol and Vitamin E in their bodies. The study shows you how powerful olive oil can be and how it can help control healthy cholesterol levels.
4) Olive oil eases or prevents diabetes
Olive oil provides a diet high in monounsaturated fat. Researchers in Spain published an article in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in September 2003 has shown calorie-controlled diabetic diets high in monounsaturated fat do not cause weight gain and are more pleasing to eat than low-fat diets.
5) Olive oil lessens the severity of asthma or arthritis
Regular use of olive oil has been associated with lower rates of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are used by the body to produce substances which are relatively anti-inflammatory. By reducing inflammation, these fats can help reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms, and may be able to prevent or reduce the severity of asthma
6) Olive oil can possibly help in the prevention of colon cancer
While most other fats are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, olive oil is actually associated with a reduced risk of this disease. Olive oil contains 77% monounsaturated fatty acids, 14% saturated fatty acids, and 9% polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vegetable mucilage and Vitamin E. Monounsaturated fatty acids are far less easily damaged by oxygen than other types of fat. They are therefore less likely to produce free radicals, which damage cell membranes and can cause Cancer.
7) Olive oil moisturizes skin and slower aging process
Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, D, and Iron. Most importantly, olive oil helps the body to maintain strong levels of vitamin E, which is a great helper in delaying the aging process. You can also use olive oil as face moisturizer since the healthy fatty acid existing in olive oil encourage soft and suppler skin.
Conclusive notes
Suggestion: Please remember, though, that heating the olive oil and ingesting it that way will most likely not benefit you much. The olive oil needs to be ingested right from the bottle. Otherwise, it would not benefit you much… if any.
Curiosity: You might not realize the other significant olive oil uses such as its power to restore shine in your shoes, help with a stuck zipper on a bag or clothing, and yes, in doing away with squeaky hinges. If you are worried that your garden scissors will eventually rust while in storage, try to coat the blades with olive oil. It’s an capable agent in preventing the build up of rust. This goes the same way with your razor, just swab a cotton ball with olive oil then apply on the blades.
Source: All About Olive Oil
