Many people dispute the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. However, most experts agree that olive oil - especially extra virgin olive oil - is healthy for you.
Here are 5 health benefits of extra virgin olive oil.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Packed Full of Antioxidants
Extra virgin olive oil contains modest amounts of vitamins E and K. It is also loaded with powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants can reduce your risk of chronic diseases. They can also help your body fight inflammation and help protect your blood cholesterol from oxidation. An additional benefit is that it will help protect you from heart disease
2. EVOO has strong anti-inflammatory properties
EVOO contains more than 36 phenolic compounds that are known to have beneficial effects. One specific compound with these effects is oleocanthal. This has been discovered to have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.
These anti inflammatory benefits are similar to those in NSAID with less of the side effects. Olive oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that is safe to be consumed by anyone.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Protects Against Heart Disease
Extra virgin olive oil has numerous benefits in helping to prevent heart disease. Most importantly, it lowers blood pressure and protects “bad” LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation and improves the function of blood vessels. If you have heart disease, or you are aware of heart disease being a part of your family history, it would be wise to start incorporating extra virgin olive oil in your diet. You want to make sure that you are using high quality olive oils and not overly processed kinds.
EVOO has been shown to lower blood pressure - which we have all heard is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease. One study has shown that olive oil reduced the need for blood pressure medication by 48%. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15447913/
4. Olive oil may help fight against Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition and is very common. One of the key features present in those who have Alzheimer’s is what is called beta-amyloid plaques inside the brain. One study in particular showed that olive oil can help remove these plaques. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23414128/
Many of you have also heard of how a diet rich in Mediterranean foods like olive oil have increased longevity as well as helped benefit brain function. More research is needed, however, in this field of research.
5. The Antioxidants in Olive Oil Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the world. Those who live in Mediterranean countries are at less of a risk of some of these cancers. Many researchers believe that this is because of the many benefits present in extra virgin olive oil. This is a main food staple in the Mediterranean Diet.
Many test-tube studies demonstrate that compounds in olive oil can fight cancer cells. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cancer-fighting-foods.
The Quality of the olive oil that you use is very important
Extra virgin olive oil must retain the antioxidants and bioactive compounds from olives to play a part in protecting your health. You want to avoid refined olive oil. There is a lot of fraud on the olive oil market, that is why it is important to trust where you get your olive oil. You don’t want the olive oil diluted with other refined oils. Therefore, make sure you are buying your extra virgin olive oils from a reputable source. O’live A Little extra virgin olive oils are reputable and come from a family owned company that you can trust. We are always available to answer any questions on where our olive oils are sourced from and the many health benefits that they provide.
