10 Reasons Why Olive Oil Is Good For You (Slideshow)
It’s a Powerful Anti-Inflammatory
Olive oil contains lots of anti-inflammatory agents that act as a natural ibuprofen-like substance, so whether you're fighting a headache or something more serious, such as a neurodegenerative disease or cancers, olive oil is great to load up on.
It Lowers Blood Pressure
Because of its polyphenols and oleic acid, which also give it great anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil has been known to lower blood pressure and reduce hypertension in both men and women.
It Keeps You Mentally in Check
While not directly examining the impact of olive oil on the brain, a recent study found that participants who had a diet rich in transitive fats were more likely to develop depression, while those with a diet rich in olive oil had a lower risk for depression. Along with fighting depression, olive oil is also known to help cognitive function and decrease the risk of cognitive-related diseases such as dementia.
It’s a Calcium Booster
Calcium is an important component of a healthy body and bones, but only if your body is able to process it well. Olive oil improves bone mineralization and calcification and therefore helps your body absorb more calcium efficiently.
It’s the Cholesterol Cop
We know that there's good cholesterol and then there's bad cholesterol, and olive oil is a great proponent for boosting the former and fighting the latter. Comprised of monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil is rich in healthy fats, which help maintain a healthy balance of your body's cholesterol.
It’s a Natural Diabetic Aid
While a diet low in carbohydrates is recommended for those with diabetes in order to keep their blood sugar levels low, more and more researchers are finding that consuming more olive oil can do this, as well. Its rich source of monounsaturated fats helps keep triglyceride levels in check and reduce the risk of heart disease for those with diabetes.
It Fights Cancer
Olive oil's fatty acid oleic acid is a powerful tool in helping fight specific cancers, especially breast cancer, because of its phytochemical properties, which can help trigger cancer cell death.
It’s Your Heart’s Companion
A recent study shows that a diet rich in olive oil helps keep the heart healthy and functioning well, especially with the elderly, because of its large supply of healthy monounsaturated fats.
It’s Immune-Boosting
Olive oil, especially high-quality extra-virgin olive oil such as Pylos Pressed, provides a high content of antioxidants such as polyphenols, vitamins E and K, chlorophyll, and carotenoids. These characteristics of olive oil make it key in strengthening the immune system and protecting the body from the damaging effects of free-radical molecules.
It’s a Weight Loss Tool
While olive oil is known to be high in fats, it's important to remember that they're healthy, monounsaturated fats, which can help the body break down and eliminate stored fat and excess weight.