by Christine Pesta
One of the most common ingredients in our cooking is olive oil. We use it to sauté, in salad dressings, in stew or chili, in our spaghetti sauces, etc. Almost without thinking, many reach for it in the kitchen every day. But did you know how beneficial this ancient food item is to our health and well-being?
Below are some of the main ways our bodies are rewarded by consuming olives and olive oil. It’s versatility alone has made it popular in many styles of cuisine throughout the world. If you aren’t using it frequently, read further to see the reasons why you might want to make this plant-based fat a staple in your pantry.
Reduces Inflammation
Extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, olive oil contains naturally beneficial fats including Omega-6, Omega-3, and oleic fatty acids. The oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, which makes up most of the oil’s fatty acid content, can help fight inflammation. By reducing chronic inflammation, olive oil increases the fight against such diseases as type II diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
May Help to Decrease the Risk of Cancer
Olive oil may be key in lowering the risk of developing cancer due to certain properties it contains which are known to combat cancer cells. The reduction of free radicals, which may be in large part what fuels the development of certain cancers, is carried out by the introduction of antioxidants. With olive oil being high in antioxidants, many doctors recommend a diet that contains olive oil.
Can Help Manage or Reduce the Risk of Type II Diabetes
Olive oil can help reduce the risk of developing Type II Diabetes as it is beneficial to one’s blood sugar. If you already have problems with the production of insulin, or insulin resistance, incorporating olive oil into your diet can be extremely beneficial in the many ways it can help to manage your blood sugar, strengthen your blood vessels which will also assist in decrease strain to your heart, as well as help to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which are all issues facing someone with type II diabetes.
Can Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the leading causes of death in older people throughout the world is Alzheimer’s Disease. Due to a build-up of plaque in the brain cells, this neurodegenerative disease has no cure currently, but research has led to finding ways to slow it down. The antioxidants and fatty acids in olive oil, among possible additional properties still being researched, have led scientists to conclude that those with a predisposition to developing Alzheimer’s would benefit from a diet rich in olive oil.
Can Help Fight Against Heart Attacks and Strokes
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants. Being high in antioxidants means olive oil can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. By lowering the bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of blood clotting, and helping to lower blood pressure, olive oil is an extremely important part of a healthy diet. For anyone with a history of heart disease in their family, or to prevent becoming a risk for heart disease, incorporating this oil into your meals on a daily basis is highly recommended.
Serves to Aid in Lowering Obesity and the Risk of Weight Gain
As the properties in olive oil make it a much healthier fat than most, it can actually aid in weight loss, where other fats consumed have a risk of increasing one’s weight. The driving forces mentioned earlier – ability to lower cholesterol, decrease inflammation, and strengthen blood vessels, are all factors in maintaining and strengthening your health, which can aid in weight loss with proper diet and exercise.
The scientific research of olive oil’s benefits is ongoing. The properties of olive oil, as well as the people in areas of the world where it is most highly consumed are being studied. For now, most in the medical profession agree that a diet which includes healthy amounts of it will reap it’s many benefits. Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil as it will contain the most nutrients to effectively combat disease. Most dishes in the Greek, Italian, and Spanish cuisines, as well as many Middle Eastern dishes use olive oil as a staple ingredient. Work some dishes into your weekly repertoire that you enjoy cooking and eating which will benefit your health as well as your taste buds!
