Virgin olive oil is the oil obtained from the olive fruit, a plant grown mainly in the Mediterranean region. Widely recognized in the world as one of the best oils for health, more and more people are choosing olive oil instead of other vegetable oils. Here are the benefits of using olive oil.
Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats
About 14% of the oil is saturated fat, while 11% is polyunsaturated, such as omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. Single, called oleic acid, makes up 73% of the total oil.
Studies show that oleic acid reduces inflammation and may even have a beneficial effect on genes related to cancer.
Monounsaturated fats are also quite resistant to high temperatures, which makes virgin olive oil a healthy choice for cooking.
Olive oil contains large amounts of antioxidants
In addition to the healthy fatty acids, olive oil is also a good source of vitamins E and K along with antioxidants. These antioxidants are biologically active and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In addition, they also fight inflammation and help protect blood cholesterol from oxidation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties
Chronic inflammation is thought to be the leading cause of diseases like cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and even obesity. And olive oil has the ability to reduce inflammation. Studies have estimated that oleocanthal in 50ml of extra virgin olive oil has the same effect as 10% of an adult ibuprofen dose.
Research also shows that oleic acid, the main fatty acid in olive oil, can reduce the level of important inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition, the antioxidants in olive oil can inhibit certain genes and proteins that cause inflammation.
Olive oil may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
Olive oil is known for its ability to fight type 2 diabetes. Several studies have linked olive oil with beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. A randomized clinical trial of 428 healthy people confirmed the protective effects of olive oil. In this study, a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 40%.
The antioxidants in olive oil have anti-cancer properties
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the world. If you don’t already know, people in Mediterranean countries are at much lower risk of cancer-related problems than in other regions. Researchers believe that olive oil may be the reason.
In fact, olive oil can reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which is thought to be the leading cause of cancer. Many studies have also shown that compounds in olive oil can fight cancer cells.
Olive oil helps extend the life
In areas where olive oil is an essential part of the diet, people tend to live longer. A study of more than 40,000 Spanish subjects over 13.5 years found that olive oil users were more likely to live longer than those who had little or no use. If you don’t already know, two of the places where people live the longest are Icaria and Sardinia are places with diets rich in olive oil.
