Olive Oil Benefits

Olive Oil is extracted from natural olives, it is rich in ‘Healthy Monounsaturated Fat’, called oleic acid which is extremely healthy. Oleic acid helps reduce inflammation, it is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil are also quite resistant to high heat, making it a healthy choice for cooking.

Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with rich antioxidants The antioxidants help fight free radicals which keep serious diseases at bay, prevents inflammation and lowers the cholesterol which prevents clogging of the arteries in the heart. Olive oil also contains vitamin E and K.

Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Just two tablespoons of olive oil everyday is known to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and helps strike a critical balance between LDL and HDL. It helps reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Olive Oil Has Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Chronic inflammation is one of the main causes of many diseases like cancer, heart disease, obesity leading to arthritis and diabetes. The oleic acid, the main fatty acid present in olive oil helps in reducing inflammation and is also known to have the potential similar to an anti-inflammatory drug. It contains nutrients includes oleic acid, as well as antioxidant oleocanthal that can fight inflammation.

Protects Against Heart Disease

Extra virgin olive oil protects against heart disease, which is the most common cause of death world over. It is anti-inflammatory, protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, improves the function of the lining of the blood vessels and prevents unwanted blood clotting in the arteries of the heart. Extra virgin olive oil is also known to lower blood pressure.

Olive Oil Does Not Cause Weight Gain and Obesity

Extra virgin olive oil is not linked with weight gain or obesity, rather it has a favourable effect on body weight, in fact, it increases the antioxidants level in the blood causing weight loss.

Helps fight Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies suggest that oleocanthal present in extra virgin olive oil helps reduce the cognitive decline of the brain cells that come with ageing, by removing the beta-amyloid plaques formed in the brain cells, a major cause of the degenerative disease.

Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

The monounsaturated fat present in extra virgin oil helps to reduce blood sugar and improve the insulin level. A Mediterranean diet which is very rich in extra virgin oil is known to significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Olive Oil is known to have Anti Cancer Properties

The rich antioxidants in olive oil helps fight the free radicals which are known as one of the leading cause of cancer. The oleocanthal, a phytonutrient, present in extra virgin oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it acts as a defence mechanism against cancer.

Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis (painful joints)

The anti-inflammatory properties of the olive oil together with omega 3 fatty acids, reduce the oxidative stress caused by rheumatoid arthritis and significantly reduce joint pain and morning stiffness of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by deformed and painful joints.

The polyphenols, an antioxidant present in extra virgin oil helps combat the oxidative stress caused by ageing.

Antibacterial Properties

The antibacterial properties present in extra virgin olive oil is known to be particularly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

Contact JKYNH, the leading naturopathy hospital in east India for lifestyle consultation.

Pragya Sinha