The people in the Mediterranean know the proven health benefits of extra virgin olive oil.
As a result, they are some of the healthiest people in the world. They have followed the Mediterranean Diet for centuries. Because extra virgin olive oil is a main source of fat, they often use it in many of their dishes.
The antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids it contains offer many health benefits.
Vitamin K and Vitamin E are in extra virgin olive oil. Both vitamins help keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Vitamin K supports blood clotting, and Vitamin E helps form red blood cells. Extra virgin olive oil also contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and potassium.
To get some of its benefits, start looking for inventive ways to use it in your recipes. For example, sautéing vegetables and putting it in salad dressings. Since all olive oils are not the same, let us take a look at the ones that are usually available:
Types of Olive Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – comes from the first pressing of the olives. Has low acidity, great flavor, and a nice aroma.
- Virgin Olive Oil – Inferior in quality and milder in taste than Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Refined Olive Oil – Heat and acids extract the most from the olives.
- Olive Pomace Oil – lowest grade of olive oil. Made from the remains of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and is low in antioxidants.
- Lampante Virgin Olive Oil – made from low-quality olives. It is bad for human consumption.
The nutritional value varies by olive oil type because of the methods used to process it. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is definitely the best to consume.
It burns fast (because of the monounsaturated fats it contains). For this reason, it is not good for frying foods.
Studies show that good-quality olive oil can help you achieve a healthy body. Take a look at these 12 proven health benefits. I hope they encourage you to use it more often.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Strengthens Your Bones
Milk is often advertised as a must for strong bones throughout life. Extra virgin olive oil might also help, according to some studies.
As we grow older, we lose bone, which can lead to diseases like osteoporosis. Menopausal women and the aged are usually the ones who suffer the most. Studies suggest that there may be a good effect of olive oil on osteoporosis as we grow older.
This oil contains a compound called oleuropein. This may help produce the cells that make bones and keep them healthy.
2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps With Constipation
Everyone faces constipation at some point. For relief, taking a tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach can help. You should NOT give extra virgin olive oil to children for constipation.
When you’re constipated, it’s difficult for stool to move through the bowel. Thus, extra virgin olive oil will make it easier.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits Your Immune System
The Vitamins E and K found in extra virgin olive oil protect the body from oxygen free radicals. These can make the immune system unhealthy.
Viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites cause many infectious diseases. Our immune system helps to get rid of them. Doctors prescribe antibiotics in these cases, but extra virgin olive oil can do the same for our bodies.
Extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols. On the other hand, it has no side effects like medicines.
4. Reducing Inflammation is One of the Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Many people experience inflammation as they grow older. This often shows up as arthritis. Oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oil can relieve that pain.
It works well like the anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen, without harmful side effects.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil May Help Control Alzheimer’s Disease
Extra virgin olive oil may help with the progression or onset of Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is no known cure. This disease affects brain cells and causes memory loss. Plaques that form between brain cells contribute to this.
New studies in mice have shown some success in patients.
6. Lose Weight With Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Keep a Healthy Body
Going on crash diets does not work in the long term. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, add extra virgin olive oil to your salads.
People who follow the Mediterranean diet and use lots of extra virgin olive oil are never overweight.
Making good, healthy choices every time you eat helps you lose weight and keep it off for good—vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, Greek yogurt, and small amounts of red meat work.
7. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dissolves Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a buildup of minerals in your urine that stick together in the kidneys. They can be very painful, and you may need to see a doctor and have them removed.
Men may have more difficulty passing them. Medications can break them up, or a doctor can remove them through surgery.
People who prefer a natural homemade remedy take a mixture of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. You must also drink plenty of water to help flush them out.
If followed for a couple of days, the Vitamin C in the lemon is what dissolves the stones. Extra virgin olive oil acts as a lubricant, making it easier for the kidney stone to pass when you urinate.
8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits by Reducing High Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, extra virgin olive oil can help lower it. High cholesterol occurs when plaque forms in your arteries. Some other health risks include a heart attack or a stroke.
Extra virgin olive oil contains Monounsaturated fat, known as oleic acid. This can help to lower your cholesterol.
9. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps With Killing Cancer Cells
The antioxidants and vitamins in extra virgin olive oil may help prevent certain types of cancer.
Studies have shown that it can kill cancer cells. Scientists have found that, in less than an hour, cancer cells die when you use extra virgin olive oil.
10. During Pregnancy Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gives Great Health Benefits
This oil can help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. It is also healthy for you and the baby. The good fats in extra virgin olive oil help support the baby’s immune system.
When used during pregnancy, the results are worth it.
11. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps With Depression
Extra virgin olive oil offers some mental benefits. It helps with depression when following the Mediterranean Diet.
Other foods consumed would include beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and eggs. These are great to eat if you want good mental health.
12. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gives Health Benefits When Cooking
With so many benefits, extra virgin olive oil is worth using as your cooking oil.
Since this oil is a natural food, you can use it in many of your recipes. Why not give it a try? When you cook with extra virgin olive oil, you can be sure you are keeping your body in excellent health.
Make sure the brand is good before you buy. Many are mixed with other oils. These are of inferior quality.
In Conclusion
With extra virgin olive oil being so good for us women, making it part of our daily diet is a must.
Knowing it can help us lose weight, strengthen our bones as we grow older, support us during pregnancy, and keep our bodies healthy, it should always be in our kitchen cabinets.
