10 reasons why olive oil is extremely good for your health

The greatest good in all of life is the healing power of the olive oil.

Olive oil has found a significant place in every household, thanks to its extensive health benefits of olive oil. Being an essential part of the Mediterranean diet, most health benefits of olive oil are attributed to the natural properties it possesses. Additionally, this oil is naturally free of the 5 main culprits that cause most health problems namely cholesterol, salt, sugar, gluten and trans fats. Available in four key varieties, extra virgin olive oil is the most commonly used one. Here are some important facts you should know about olive oil -

#1 Reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes

If you re prediabetic (borderline diabetes) then you should have at least 2 spoons of olive oil daily in your daily diet. A study published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care has demonstrated that Mediterranean diet which is rich in olive oil can reduce the chances of developing type II diabetes by almost 50 percent as compared to a diet that is low in fats. Read more about expert tips to deal with type 2 diabetes.

#2 Prevents heart disease

Olive oil is known to lower the levels of blood cholesterol, a major contributor of heart diseases. Studies have shown that having olive oil regularly can help you to lower your blood pressure. It is also high in polyphenols, anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants (tocopherol) which keeps your heart healthy. Not just it prevents heart diseases but also slows down the aging of the heart. According to a study by Spanish researchers, olive oil (and other monounsaturated fats) can improve the function of heart in older people.

#3 May help in weight loss

Most people avoid olive oil because it is dense and high in calories. It is a common misconception that olive oil causes weight gain. In fact, studies have shown that olive oil may help in weight loss. Olive oil keeps you full for a longer time and therefore reduces hunger pangs. It also reduces sugar cravings in people.

#4 Reduces pain and inflammation

Olive oil contains the phytonutrient, oleocanthal, which imitates the action of pain relievers like ibuprofen, therefore helping to reduce pain and inflammation. It is mainly due to phytochemicals that play a key role in soothing pain and inflammation in your body.

#5 Protects you from cancer

The presence of antioxidants in olive oil neutralizes the harmful free radicals in your body thereby reducing the risk of cancer. Along with antioxidants, olive oil is also rich in oleic acid (monounsaturated fat or good fat) that can play a role in protecting against tumours (in breast cancer). The anti-cancerous property of olive oil also reduces the chances of recurrence of cancers, especially breast cancer. The progression of the most dangerous type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma may be slowed down by the antioxidant effect of olive oil. Here's what you should about latest cancer treatment and advances in cancer research.

#6 Reduces oxidative stress

Among all plant oils, olive oil has the highest amount of monounsaturated fats, which does not oxidize readily in the body. This is the reason, why olive oil plays a key role in reducing the xidative stress in the body.

#7 Improves bone health

Olive oil helps in the absorption of calcium. It also improves bone mineralisation and the process of calcification. This property of olive oil is extremely helpful for people suffering from osteoporosis, who are susceptible to fractures because of reduced bone mass. Here's how you can prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

#8 Protects against depression

Apart from the extensive health benefits, olive oil also helps you to be emotionally strong. According to Spanish researchers from the University of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a diet rich in olive oil can reduce the chances of developing depression.

#9 Relieves constipation

Olive oil serves as a lubricant for the digestive system and helps to ease the passage of stool, thus relieving constipation. It strengthens the digestive system and also helps to prevent gastro-intestinal problems like gastritis and peptic ulcers. Try these 10 secret home remedies for constipation.

#10 Improves brain function

Olive oil is helpful in improving cognition, according to a study in France. The study showed that visual memory and language fluency tremendously improved in older adults who used olive oil intensively (not just in cooking but also in sauces and dressings). Olive oil also helps to improve the condition of people having brain-related disorders. Here are some foods to boost brain power.

You may also like to read about beauty benefits of olive oil.

Image Source: Getty Images

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References

• Baldioli, M., Servili, M., Perretti, G., & Montedoro, G. F. (1996). Antioxidant activity of tocopherols and phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society, 73(11), 1589-1593.
• Owen, R. W., Giacosa, A., Hull, W. E., Haubner, R., W rtele, G., Spiegelhalder, B., & Bartsch, H. (2000). Olive-oil consumption and health: the possible role of antioxidants. The lancet oncology, 1(2), 107-112.
• Waterman, E., & Lockwood, B. (2007). Active components and clinical applications of olive oil. Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic, 12(4), 331-342.
• Aviram M, Eias K. Dietary olive oil reduces low-density lipoprotein uptake by macrophages and decreases the susceptibility of the lipoprotein to undergo lipid peroxidation