Top 7 Reasons to Consume Olive Oil

by Aviva Natural Health Solutions December 01, 2011

Sandra Markcrow

Olive oil, obtained from the humble olive fruit, has been consumed for thousands of years world-wide. In countries where olive oil is part of the population's staple diet, it has been recorded that the incidence of heart disease amongst the populace is much smaller than other parts of the world. Numerous scientific studies have shown that olive oil has many health benefits.

Olive oil is made by pressing olives and extracting the oil in the process. There are four types of olive oil available on the market. These are Extra Virgin, Virgin, Refined and Light olive oil. Each type is differentiated by the amount of acid in each variety. Virgin olive oil is obtained from the first pressing of the olives and can have less than 4 percent acid. Extra virgin olive oil is also oil obtained from the first pressing but contains less than 1 percent acid. Refined olive oil is a blend of virgin and extra virgin olive oil and contains less than 3 percent acid. Light olive oil is finely filtered oil that in the process removes much of its flavour. Its acid content can vary.

The best oils to consume are extra virgin and virgin olive oil. This is because the lower the acid content, the greater the amount of antioxidants it contains. Antioxidants remove harmful free radicals from the body which are responsible for many diseases.

Extra virgin and virgin olive oil have stronger flavours, are full bodied, fragrant and retain their colour in the manufacturing process. They also have a longer shelf life before breaking down. Light olive oil has a higher smoking point and hence is better used for deep frying but does not contain as many health benefits.

Olive oil contains oleic acids. These acids are known as monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are healthy fats compared to saturated fats. Monounsaturated fats contain high density lipoproteins (HDL) which is healthy cholesterol. HDL can lower unhealthy cholesterol known as low density lipoproteins. High LDL levels in the body are responsible for many common disease processes.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is caused by fatty plaques developing on the walls of arteries. These plaques occlude the flow of blood to the heart muscle. The heart is starved of it's supply of oxygen. This can lead to initially, symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath, known as angina. If left untreated, it results in a heart attack. Olive oil helps to remove these fatty plaques and prevent them from forming.

Cancer

Scientific studies have proven that people who consume more monounsaturated fats than saturated have less of a risk of developing some types of cancer. The oleic acid in olive oil has been shown to have a direct effect on switching off certain genes responsible for cancer growth. Positive results have been recorded when oleic acid is used in cancer treatments. Oleic acid destroys aggressive tumor cells and is being used to treat breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer and endometrial cancer.

High Blood Pressure

Olive oil has been proven to lower blood pressure. It prevents the build up of fatty plaques on the walls of arteries. This plaque hardens and occludes the flow of blood. The heart has to work harder to pump the blood throughout the body. This results in high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to strokes and heart attacks. The oleic acid in olive oil, removes these plaques from the arteries and also prevents them from forming.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at higher risk of heart attack and are overly sensitive to insulin. Studies have proven that consuming monounsaturated fats greatly reduces the risk of heart attack in diabetics and decreases sensitivity to insulin.

Anti-Inflammatory

Olive oil is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Consuming olive oil has been proven to reduce inflammation responses in diseases such as asthma, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis.

Weight Control

Studies have shown that overweight people who consumed a diet higher in monounsaturated fats compared to saturated fats, lost overall body fat and in particular, belly fat. Olive oil helps to breaks down fat cells. Regarding weigh control applications, as with any oil, you’ll still want to keep serving size and caloric content in mind.

Constipation

Constipation can be relieved by regularly consuming olive oil. It coats the inside walls of the intestine acting as a lubricant. It helps to eliminate waste from the bowel therefore relieving constipation.

How to use olive oil in your diet

* Olive oil is an excellent substitute for margarine or butter. It is flavoursome and a healthy choice to use on sandwiches and rolls, you only need a few drops.

* Olive oil can be used as a dipping sauce for breads. You can find olive oil with extra flavours infused, such as garlic and chilli, or add your own flavours. This is a healthy snack option or as an entrée.

* Olive oil can be used as a salad dressing. You can flavour the oil before adding to the salad or simply use it straight from the bottle.

* Olive oil can be used on steamed vegetables to add flavour after cooking. You can add a few drops to complete a pasta dish. It gives the food a glossy finish which looks more appetizing and you will know that it's healthy.

* Olive oil can be used in baking. Simply substitute the butter or margarine for olive oil.

* Olive oil can be used for shallow frying meats. Use light olive oil for deep frying only.

Simply put, use as much olive oil in your cooking and diet as possible. Try to include at least 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your diet per day. Be creative. In Mediterranean countries, olive oil is consumed in almost every meal. The health benefits of olive oil are truly miraculous. By making small changes in our diets today, we can all benefit from healthy bodies, now and in the future.

Related Products: See Oliphenol Olivenol and Food Oils.