Olive oil is the Mediterranean diet which is indeed an
essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Although many oils like mustard, soya have
induced health benefits, Olive oil is the major one you must switch to if
you’re looking for a delicious plus heart-healthy diet. In a time when health
benefits of dietary fats are controversial, experts have agreed upon the fact
that Olive oil is the extra virgin one which is good for your gut.
Keeping a bottle of Olive oil on hand for cooking, baking and
whipping up homemade salad dressing will sum up your healthy diet which is both
tasty and body-friendly at the same time. This oil has long been known for
several of its benefits which also prove to be the secret for a longer lifespan.
These benefits packed in a bottle of olive oil will
surprisingly help you take up the fuller and healthier life.
1.
Keeps your
heart-healthy
This oil is found to be rich in mono-saturated fats
(MUFA) which is known to lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol)
levels. Olive oil is the natural and raw oil extracted from the fruits of the olive tree and has only 14% saturated fats while 11% is poly-unsaturated.
(Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acids) This
mono-saturated fat is called Oleic acid that makes up 73% of the total oil
content. The oleic acid is said to normalise the blood clotting since it
reduces LDL levels unclogging your arteries.
Skin benefits
Many inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and
dermatitis are aided by the consumption of an anti-inflammatory drug called
ibuprofen that reduces the inflammation. However, Olive oil is the natural
remedy benefitting your skin since it contains a compound oleocanthal that
ultimately restricts the activity of inflammatory enzymes like Cox-1 and Cox-2
similar to ibuprofen. 50 grams of this oil in your diet will eventually benefit
you to an equal dose of 10% of ibuprofen reducing skin inflammations from the
roots.
Flows with anti-oxidants
Olive oil packs antioxidants containing vitamin E and phenolic compounds which help lower the multiplying damaging radicals in the body. This is quite nutritious because the antioxidants are powerful and biologically active in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The free radicals damaging the body are mainly the group of atoms with odd electrons count attaching them to healthy cells increasing the negative chain reaction. This harmful chain reaction inside the bloodstream can injure the blood vessels and damage DNA creating changes in genes leading to cancer. However, the antioxidants reduce such effects and help protect your blood vessels from further oxidation lowering the risk of vulnerable diseases.
Prevents weight gain and obesity
It is known that excess consumption of any fatty oil
causes weight gain and obesity whereas, olive oil doesn’t favour this thesis of
body weight by its consumption. Studies have found that people consuming this
oil in their Mediterranean diet has not linked it with increasing weight.
Prevents high blood pressure
Mono-saturated fats present in this oil contain high
levels of essential fatty acids and EFA like Omega which are proven to lower
your blood pressure. This EFA is beneficial and our body gets it from the food
we intake.