What are the benefits Of Olive Oil?
Olive oil is the oil that is obtained from crushing olives, the fruit of Olea europaea, family Oleaceae. This oil is used in cooking, cosmetics, and medicines. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, E and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fatty acids, oleic acids, and amino acids. It is the most common vegetable oil.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil contains polyphenols, mono-saturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids which improves good cholesterol(HDL), good for the brain, and keeps your hormones balanced. Because of its advantageous health effects, it is widely used all over the world.
Following are the health benefits of olive oil:
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Olive oil promotes Heart Health
Olive oil contains modest amounts of vitamins A, E, K, and also loaded with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants may reduce your risk of chronic diseases. They also fight inflammation and may protect your cells against free radicals that may lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Diets contain monounsaturated fatty acids are linked to a healthy heart and fewer strokes.
People who ate more than half a tablespoon of this oil each day had a 15% lower risk of having any kind of cardiovascular disease. Replacing one teaspoon of mayonnaise, dairy fat, or butter with the same amount of olive oil lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 5%.
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Olive Oil is Good for Digestion
Olive oil helps stimulates the digestive system, making food move smoothly through the colon. It is an excellent source of mono-saturated fats which helps in better mobility of food through the colon. It also increases the speed of bowel evacuation and thus prevents constipation. This oil acts as a lubricant in the digestive system.
Consuming one tablespoon of oil in the morning on an empty stomach may relieve constipation. Mixing a tablespoon of this oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice can be an effective remedy for constipation.
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May Treat Depression
Depression is a chronic illness that affects a person’s mood, thoughts physical health, and behavior. One of the wonderful benefits of this oil is to treat depression. It can increase the levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is called the happiness hormone. Serotonin regulates mood and social behavior.
The oil contains linoleic acid and acts as antidepressants. Although olive oil consumption is believed to have a protective effect against depression.
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May prevent Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Some studies show that the people in Mediterranean countries have a lower risk of some cancers. Health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are due to the high consumption of olive oil, fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Antioxidants in oil may protect the damage caused by free radicals.
In a study, it was found that oleuropein, a compound found in olive leaf, has potential against breast cancer properties.
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Promotes Brain health
Olive oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are good for brain and memory power. Omega 3 fatty acids may help to prevent cognitive decline in older adults. Antioxidants in this oil slow down the aging-related processes.
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Olive Oil moisturizes your Skin
Vitamin E present in this oil improves skin health by treating acne, and dryness and protecting the skin from psoriasis and skin cancer. Vitamin E also improves skin elasticity and its regenerative properties. The antioxidants and minerals present in this oil fight the free radicals and facilitate healthy skin respectively.
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Promotes Hair Growth
Vitamin E in this oil makes your hair strong and prevents hair fall. Massage your hair regularly with this oil can also fix the problem of split ends.
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Olive oil prevents Diabetes
According to new research, it reduces blood sugar. By adding this oil in your diet, you can also keep your blood sugar under control. Mono and polyunsaturated fats in olive oil, can help prevent diabetes. It protects the body from damage caused by free radicals in the body.
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Strengthen the bones
In a study that involved men consuming a Mediterranean diet, it was found that this oil might contribute to strong bones. Their blood was found to contain higher levels of osteocalcin, which was an indication of healthy bone formation.
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Olive oil controls Cholesterol
You can lower the levels of bad cholesterol in your body by using this oil. It contains minimum levels of saturated and polyunsaturated fats. This property gives it the ability to control blood cholesterol levels in the body. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat around 75-80%, which helps build good cholesterol and HDL in the body while reducing the prevalence of bad cholesterol LDL.
Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately.
Conclusion
Olive oil is used in cooking, cosmetics, and medicines. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, K, E, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fatty acids.
This oil improves heart health, controls cholesterol, and moisturizes your skin. It is widely used all over the world because of its advantageous health effects.
