A Few Facts About Olive Oil and Your Well-Being
Olive oil contains a series of compounds that are very beneficial to most functions of the human body.
The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels. No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly oleic acid.
Olive oil is very well tolerated by the stomach. In fact, olive oil's protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis.
Olive Oil and Heart Disease
Studies have shown that people who consumed 25 millilitres (ml) about 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily for 1 week showed less oxidation of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and higher levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenols, in the blood.
Spanish researchers suggest that including olive oil in your diet may also offer benefits in terms of colon cancer prevention
Liquid Gold to the Ancients of Europe
One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat, but the fat is mostly monounsaturated; it has a
beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels, and is easily digested. In those countries where olive oil is consumed
extensively, such as Greece, Italy and Spain, there is a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases.
The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil protects the body's digestive tract. Ancient civilization used olive oil to
heal wounds. Today it is considered a good remedy for skin problems and an effective moisturizer.
Olive oil benefits are surprisingly simple yet extremely effective.
The ancient europeans recognized the value of olive oil to one's well-being that some often referred to it as "liquid gold".
Monounsaturated fats can have a beneficial effect on your health. Monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body's cells. Monounsaturated fats are also typically high in vitamin E, an antioxidant vitamin most people need more of.
Taking Olive Oil may help ...
- Reduce blood pressure
- Inhibit the growth of some cancers
- Benefit people at risk for or with diabetes
- Lessen the severity of asthma and arthritis
- Your body maintain a lower weight