Is Olive Oil Healthy For You? The Benefits of Olive Oils and Why You Should Be Having It

Olive oil health benefits

Olive oil health benefits

Olive oil, unlike any other vegetable oils, is extracted from a fruit and not a seed. The extraction of olive oil from these olives is one of the most important components to a healthy Mediterranean diet.  Studies have shown that those who consume or follow this diet have a lower risk of various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Also known as the ‘liquid gold’, olive oil has shown a consistent increase in usage and consumption around the world.

So how does olive oil distinguish from other oils?

Olive oil is a completely natural juice obtained from the squeezing of olive fruit. The main feature that distinguishes it from other oils is the high level of heart-protective monosaturated fats and antioxidants. Antioxidants (also known as polyphenols) slows down aging and cell degradation in the body. Most importantly, this substance will help to repair damaged cells and protects your cells against radical formation that triggers cancer and or diabetes.

However, not all olive oil contains high level of antioxidants. The main factors determining the antioxidant content of olive oil is as follows;

• Environmental factors (pruning, soil nutrients, sun, irrigation, wind)
• Harvest time 
• Method of harvest
• Tightening conditions
• Storage conditions

It is shown that when these conditions are provided in the best possible way, it is expected that the levels of antioxidant are to be high.

Health benefits of olive oil

Throughout many studies held on the health benefits of olive oil, extra virgin olive oil is classified as the highest quality oil available with the added benefits of helping prevent cellular damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are the substances produced during metabolism and other processes. Antioxidants are substances that can neutralise free radicals in your body.

Joe Leech (university-qualified dietitian and nutritionist) reveals the 11 proven Benefits of Olive oil. These 11 proven benefits are as follows;

1. Olive oil is rich in Healthy Monosaturated Fats.
2. Olive oil contains large amounts of antioxidants.
3. Olive oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Olive oil may prevent strokes.
5. Olive oil is protective against heart disease.
6. Olive oil is not associated with weight gain and obesity.
7. Olive oil may fight Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Olive oil may reduce type 2 diabetes risk.
9. The antioxidants in olive oil have anti-cancer properties.
10. Olive oil can help treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.
11. Olive oil has antibacterial properties.

Ultimately, quality extra virgin olive oil is extremely healthy and due to its powerful antioxidants, it provides to you several benefits, were it is considered to be one of the healthiest fat on the planet. However, there is much fraud associated with the olive oil market. Therefore, to ensure you receive the right olive oil, it is always a good idea to read the ingredient list and check for quality certification.