Olive oil health benefits
Olive oil health benefits are attributed to olive oil’s high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and also its high content of antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols. No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as extra virgin olive oil, specifically oleic acid. Most other vegetable oils may need to be detoxified and refined. Another of the health benefits of olive oil is that cold, or fresh pressed extra virgin olive oil can be consumed immediately and will retain the natural olive variety flavor, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants of the ripe olives. It is important to know many smaller estate olive producers hand pick the olives to preserve their freshness and maintain a high quality of harvest.
According to health experts, the health benefits of olive oil include cardiovascular aspects and recommended olive oil to be used in the diet. Olive oil which is 74% mono unsaturated fat, and is believed to increase, HDL or the good cholesterol. Olive oil is also believed to reduce or lower LDL, or the so-called bad cholesterol. The combination of garlic, onions, olive oil, and vinegar in the Mediterranean diet is now recognized by nutritionist professionals as a healthy dietary preventative measure for cardiovascular disorders. It is believed that the extensive use of fresh vegetables, fruits, and unprocessed foods contribute to the health benefit of the Mediterranean diet.
Many doctors are aware of the health benefits of olive oil and will encourage you to lower total fat and calories in your diet, and substituting butter, margarine and tropical oils with healthy fats like olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is easy to digest by the body and it also helps the assimilation of other important dietary ingredients and vitamins. Extra virgin olive oil is one of the few natural oils that can be eaten without chemical processing.
Eating healthy is a primary recommendation for those of the baby boomer era. Simple adaptations to the nominal diet can be advantageous to your health. Oil and vinegar recipes, such as; extra virgin olive oil combined with balsamic vinegar will make an excellent healthy salad dressing alternative.
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February 1st, 2008 23:23
In Nov 2005, the BBC reported on olive oil research that linked the Mediterranean diet to a reduction in the risk of heart attack. Researcher, Dr Francisco Perez Jimenez concluded that the micronutrients contained within the juice of extra virgin olive oil were a large factor.
Olive oil contains phenol, which researchers in Spain believe helps to protect both cardio vascular function and the heart. Research has shown that these micronutrients provide the body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and help to counteract blood clotting, all of which contributes to a healthy heart.