Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils out there. It has been widely acknowledged for its high concentration of monounsaturated fats, a type of fat found in abundance in olive oil. The health benefits of olive oil go beyond its high concentration of monounsaturated fats. In fact, research shows that the health benefits of drinking olive oil far outweighs the potential downsides. For example, one recent study showed that women who regularly consumed extra-virgin olive oil had a 25 percent lower risk of developing heart disease than those who drank artificially-produced and highly processed oleic acid-rich oils. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition last year also found that people who added extra-virgin olive oil to their diet experienced a significant reduction in their waistlines.
What makes a healthy diet?
Healthy eating has been a part of human existence for millennia. The reason why is because it is the perfect balance between too much and too little. When we overindulge in food, it is because we are tired, stressed out or just haven’t got the extra calories in our diet that we need. It is not until we introduce healthy eating into our lives that we can see the lifelong benefits that it has to offer. While it is important to eat healthy foods in moderation, it is even more important to make healthy choices at every meal. This means choosing healthy foods in combination with activities that will keep you physically active and engaged with your surroundings. Healthy eating can be an intimidating, but do-able, feat. While there is no one “right way” to eat healthy, there are ways to prevent and manage disease that are consistent with healthy eating principles.
Health benefits of olive oil
Healthy eating has become more popular in the past decade, largely due to the advent of high-density good news, such as the sugar-free, fat-free and gluten free products that are now available. But healthy eating is not just about what we put in our bodies. It is also about how we consume our food and the nutrients we get from it. Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fat and a small amount of polyunsaturated fat. These types of fats are considered healthy because they have a small amount of omega-3 fatty acid (Omega-3). Studies have found that eating extra virgin olive oil or olive oil-rich foods can reduce the risk of several chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and alzheimer’s disease. In fact, one study found that people who consumed extra-virgin olive oil had a 25 percent lower risk of developing heart disease than those who drank artificially-produced and highly processed oleic acid-rich oils. Additionally, research shows that consuming extra-virgin olive oil along with a meal reduced the amount of calories consumed by up to 30 percent.
Why is olive oil so healthy?
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fat and a small amount of polyunsaturated fat. These types of fats are considered healthy because they have a small amount of omega-3 fatty acid (Omega-3). Studies have found that eating extra virgin olive oil or olive oil-rich foods can reduce the risk of several chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and alzheimer’s disease. In fact, one study found that people who consumed extra-virgin olive oil had a 25 percent lower risk of developing heart disease than those who drank artificially-produced and highly processed oleic acid-rich oils. Additionally, research shows that consuming extra-virgin olive oil along with a meal reduced the amount of calories consumed by up to 30 percent.
Benefits of olive oil for your health
Healthy skin – Skin that feels soft, smooth and healthy has been shown in studies to look and feel more youthful. It is also less prone to acne and wrinkles. Healthy hair – Studies have found that consuming olive oil along with hairbrushes makes hair appear shinier and healthier. Healthy nails – Research shows that consuming 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil with a meal can help your nails grow stronger and faster. Healthy eyes – Studies show that consuming extra-virgin olive oil along with meals for 2 weeks can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, an eye disease and cataracts. Healthy gut – The gut is a long, river-like passage that passes food from the stomach to the intestine. The nutrients from the gut are then dispersed throughout the body and finally thrown away. Healthy body – One study found that consuming extra-virgin olive oil along with meals for 3 months reduced body weight, body fat and body circumference in people with obesity. Healthy brain – One study found that consuming extra-virgin olive oil alongside a low-fat meal for 8 weeks in people with mild cognitive impairment (a type of cognitive decline) resulted in a significant reduction in cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels. Healthy liver – One study found that consuming 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil with a meal daily for 6 months in people with liver disease reduced the amount of toxic B vitamins that were being produced in their livers. Healthy gut flora – The gut flora is the community of bacteria, viruses and other organisms that live in your digestive tract. The gut flora has been linked to various diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders, allergies and various types of cancers.
Buying, storing and how to use olive oil safely
While it is true that consuming a small amount of olive oil daily can have a variety of positive health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation. Olive oil is a good source of fat and can be an effective source of vitamins and minerals. However, excessive consumption of olive oil is not good for your health. Most importantly, it is not safe to consume extra-virgin olive oil in large amounts. Although it is a good source of vitamins and minerals, excessive intake of these antioxidants can lead to health problems.
Everyday uses for olive oil
Olive oil is easy to make at home and can be stored in a dark, air-tight bottle for months. It is a good source of monounsaturated fat and a small amount of polyunsaturated fat. Additionally, it has a depth of flavor that needs little to no seasoning. Use olive oil in your everyday dishes such as making salad, dipping vegetables or even on your next grilled steak.
Summary
Healthy eating is a permanent part of human life. The reason why is because it is the ideal balance between too much and too little. When we overindulge in food, it is because we are tired, stressed out or just haven’t got the extra calories in our diet that we need. It is not until we introduce healthy eating into our lives that we can see the lifelong benefits that it has to offer. Olive oil is a healthy fat that has been widely acknowledged for its high concentration of monounsaturated fats, a type of fat found in abundance in olive oil. The health benefits of drinking olive oil far outweigh the potential downsides.