Benefits of Olive Oil
Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Olive Oil
Helps in improving cardiovascular system
It is observed from studies that people who regularly consume olive oil are much less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels).
Regular intake of olive oil helps in reducing inflammation, endothelial dysfunction (problems with the inner linings of blood vessels), thrombosis and carbohydrate metabolism.
Helps in preventing stroke
Olive oil may prevent strokes in older people, who regularly use olive oil for cooking and salad dressing or with bread and it was seen that they had a 41% lower risk of stroke, compared with their counterparts who never consumed it.
Helps in reduction in depression risk
People whose diets are high in trans fats - fast foods and mass-produced foods like pastries - may have a higher risk of depression, compared with those whose diets are rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil. Olive oil appears to have a slight protective effect regarding depression risk.
Helps in reducing breast cancer risk
Studies show that virgin olive oil protects the body against breast cancer, in contrast to other vegetable oils. The researchers decoded a complete cascade of signals within the cells of breast tumors that are activated by virgin olive oil. They concluded that the oil reduces the activity of p21Ras, an oncogene, prevents DNA damage, encourages tumor cell death, and triggers changes in protein signaling pathways.
Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
A Japanese study showed that LDL-cholesterol mean concentrations were lowered in patients who were given olive oil supplements once a day for six weeks. LDL (low density lipoprotein) is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol'. The 'good cholesterol' is called HDL (high density lipoprotein). The study authors concluded that the results pointed to an overwhelmingly beneficial influence of olive oil on the lipoprotein spectrum.
Helps in protecting the liver from oxidative stress
Studies have pointed out that extra virgin olive oil may protect the liver from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to cell damage associated with the chemical reaction between free radicals and other molecules in the body. Laboratory studies showed that rats exposed to a moderately toxic herbicide that were fed on a diet containing olive oil were partially protected from liver damage. So extra virgin olive oil and its extracts protect against oxidative damage of hepatic tissue.
Helps to protect from ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis, a fairly common long-term (chronic) disorder, is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Consumption of more olive oil could help fend off ulcerative colitis. People with the highest intake of oleic acid - a component of olive oil had a 90% lower risk of developing ulcerative colitis compared to those with the lowest intake.
Helps in curing Alzheimer's disease
Oleocanthal is a type of natural phenolic compound found in extra-virgin olive oil. Researchers have discovered that oleocanthal helps shuttle the abnormal Alzheimer's disease proteins out of the brain. Alzheimer's disease rates are lower in Mediterranean countries, where consumption of olive oil is higher than anywhere else in the world. Oleocanthal might help reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid, believed to be the main cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Helps in curing Acute pancreatitis
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid and hydroxytyrosol, which affect the development of acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas). Researchers have found that the components of extra virgin olive oil can protect from acute pancreatitis.
Helps in relieving Constipation
Olive oil can be used as a remedy for constipation. Olive oil benefits the gastrointestinal tract and colon. The consistency and texture of olive oil help in stimulating the digestive system, making food move smoothly through the colon. Intake of olive oil on a regular basis helps in complete prevention of constipation.
Helps in strengthening bones
In a study it was found that people consuming olive oil in their diet might contribute to strong bones. Their blood was found to contain higher levels of osteocalcin, which was an indication of healthy bone formation.
Helps in keeping hair healthy
Olive oil, along with a few other ingredients, can work wonders to keep hair healthy. The oil is rich in vitamin E that helps in fighting hairfall problems.