The goodness of olive oil has been raved about for years. It is no surprise that almost every day, researchers are finding new, positive attributes to this wonder oil. Most doctors recommend the intake of two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil every day to make the most of what it has to offer you, health-wise. So, if you were not using olive oil in your salads and other forms of cooking, dig into the back of your cupboard and take that bottle out – check the expiration! – and start using it to make the most of its goodness.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil has numerous health benefits. Olive oil helps bolster your immune system and protects you against viruses that make you feel ill. Apart from this, olive oil has been known to fight various diseases, some of which I will share with you now.
Cancer – This is the number one killer, and it gives me great pleasure to inform you that olive oil helps reduce the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. Olive oil contains a phytonutrient known as oleocanthal, which acts like ibuprofen and reduces inflammation. In addition, antioxidants present in olive oil also have chemoprotective properties. New research has found that olive oil and a Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce our risk of cancer development. So, let’s chow up on MD and include some olive oil into this for a healthy life free of cancer.
Cardiovascular Disease – Olive oil, has been known for years, to be beneficial for the heart. Olive oil contains oleic acid and antioxidant polyphenols that help lower LDL (low-density lipoproteins), better known as “bad” cholesterol and increase HDL (high-density lipoproteins) the “good” cholesterol. If you have high levels of cholesterol, speak to your doctor about taking olive oil every day.
Diabetes – This is another complication that we do not need. Good news is that research indicates that a diet high in olive oil, low saturated fats and moderate carbs and soluble fiber can be effective in preventing and controlling diabetes. Olive oil improves blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. Type 2 diabetes is extremely preventable. A proper diet and lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Rheumatoid Arthritis –RA is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling, pain, and inflammation in the joints. Although not a proven fact, there is reason to believe high levels of olive oil in the diet can reduce the likelihood of getting rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoporosis – This is a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle. Olive oil, in high doses, helps bone mineralization and calcification. Olive oil helps absorb calcium to your bones, and in doing so, prevents osteoporosis.
Young at Heart – As we age, our organs to age with us. The same goes for the heart. However, a diet rich in olive oil shows that we can slow down the aging of the heart and improve arterial function.
The pros and cons of heating olive oil have been around for a long time. Many of you may wonder whether it is unhealthy to heat it. Here’s the thing…. Olive oil can be heated, if you don’t heat it beyond the smoking point, which I believe is approximately 400 and 365 degrees Fahrenheit. For your worries about heating olive oil and making it saturated or trans-fatty, don’t worry about it. This is a myth. So, go ahead, ensure good health and use olive oil even for dishes that require it to be heated. Happy cooking with olive oil!
This article is courtesy of ActiveAdultLiving.com® a National Directory featuring more than 6,900 active adult communities in the United States and Canada.
