The Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils you’ll find in the world. In fact, there have been numerous studies performed that show people are more likely to live longer, healthier lives in the regions of the world (like the Mediterranean) that tend to consume olive oil the most.
So, what exactly is it about extra virgin olive oil in particular that is so healthy? Here are just a few examples of the biggest health benefits associated with extra virgin olive oil, courtesy of an olive oil importer in Ohio:
- Antioxidants: Extra virgin olive oil is an outstanding source of antioxidants. The natural extraction processes used to create the oil keep all of the nutrients and antioxidants intact, including more than 30 types of phenolic compounds, a specific type of antioxidant that protects the body against damage caused by free radicals. The healthy fats found in extra virgin olive oil are also important to consider in this regard—the monounsaturated fats it contains are heart healthy and one of the big reasons why the Mediterranean diet in general is so healthy.
- Lower risk of heart disease: Heart disease is far and away the number one killer in the United States. Populations in areas that follow the Mediterranean diet have much lower rates of heart disease deaths, thanks in large part to the high consumption of extra virgin olive oil. Many of the active compounds found in the oil are good for the heart, and can lower blood pressure and prevent issues like atherosclerosis.
- Lowered risk of type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is noticeable when there is a reduced effectiveness of insulin. The phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil are thought to improve the effectiveness of insulin, which can help to guard against type 2 diabetes. In fact, studies have shown that increasing olive oil intake can reduce the risk of developing that form of diabetes by as much as 13 percent.
- Extra nutrition in your food: There have been a variety of studies that show that extra virgin olive oil can help you increase the nutrient content in your food. Antioxidants in the oil are very resistant to high levels of heat. Rather than breaking down during the cooking process, they get absorbed by the foods they’re cooked with, so you will still be able to get all their healthy benefits even after cooking them.
- Good for the brain: There are some studies that suggest olive oil could potentially reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Those previously mentioned phenolic compounds that are so present in extra virgin olive oil can help remove some of the compounds that could cause brain degeneration. One study compared a Mediterranean diet enhanced with extra virgin olive oil to a standard low-fat diet and determined that the people on the olive oil diet saw less cognitive decline after six and a half years.
For more information about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, contact Liquid Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. today. As a longtime olive oil importer in Ohio, we’re always happy to discuss this healthy product with our customers!
Categorized in: EVOO