So let's have a look at 10 most important benefits of olive oil.
1. It has a high content of monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are the so-called "good fat", the main source of which is olive oil. Monounsaturated fats protect us against various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, while slightly lowering "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, and not affecting or -according to other researchers- slightly increasing HDL ("good") levels of cholesterol).
2. Contains a large amount of antioxidants. The antioxidants found in olive oil are biologically active and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
3. Protects us from heart related diseases. Heart disease is the most common cause of death in developed countries, according to the World Health Organization. Extremely virgin olive oil has significant benefits for the health of our heart. It lowers blood pressure, stops the oxidation of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and improves the function of blood vessels.
4. It has strong anti-inflammatory power. Olive oil contains nutrients such as oleic acid and oil spill, which fight inflammation.
5. Helps in the prevention of strokes. Several scientific studies show that people who consume olive oil have a much lower risk of stroke, which is one of the most common causes of death in developed countries.
6. Reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Both observational studies and clinical tests show that olive oil, in combination with a Mediterranean diet, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40%.
7. Helps treat rheumatoid arthritis. There is no diet that can cure rheumatoid arthritis alone, however, olive oil can help reduce joint pain and swelling. Those beneficial effects increase significantly when combined with fish oil.
8. It slows down the evolution of Alzheimer's desease. Researchers at the University of Louisiana have been able to stop further development of Alzheimer's disease in animals by adding specially selected Greek olive oil in their diet. According to American researchers, this is a very important discovery, which leads to the characterization of olive oil as a medical food.
9. It slows down the evolution of Alzheimer's desease. Researchers at the University of Louisiana have been able to stop further development of Alzheimer's disease in animals by adding specially selected Greek olive oil in their diet. According to American researchers, this is a very important discovery, which leads to the characterization of olive oil as a medical food.
10. Moisturizes skin and hair. Olive oil has softening and moisturizing power, so it is a key ingredient in many hair and body care products. You can use it to remove your makeup, as a homemade hair mask, as a treatment for hangnails or to make your own body exfoliating cream.
