Olive oil is extracted from the olive tree and is used commonly for cooking and to promote skin health. Scientific evidence has shown that there are significant health benefits in regularly consuming olive oil in your diet. This is due to olive oil's monounsaturated fats, such as oleic acid, as well as its antioxidant properties.
Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol sticks to the walls of arteries and causes them to harden. This can limit blood flow and result in heart disease. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat and a high density lipoprotein, which means that it prevents cholesterol from sticking to arterial walls. A study in 2002 by Fito Gemino at the University of Barcelona found that patients who consumed two tables of virgin olive oil every day for a week had a significant decrease in low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) and an increased level of antioxidants in their blood. In fact, according to a 2007 study by Meropi Kontogianni at Harokopio University of Athens, regular consumption of olive oil can cut heart disease risk in half.
Reduce Cancer Risk
Olive oil contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that reduces the effects of oncogene. Oncogene is a gene that can cause cancer cells to form and it is directly associated with breast cancer tumors. In 2008, Javier Mendez's study at the Catalan Institute of Oncology analyzed olive oil's effects on cancer and found that "all the major complex phenols present in extra-virgin olive oil drastically suppress overexpression of the cancer gene HER2 in human breast cancer cells." Throughout the study, when Dr. Mendez used olive oil to cook meats, the presence of the HER2 gene was lower, suggesting the oil may be helpful in preventing the development of cancer cells.
Promotes Healthy Digestion
HealingDaily.com states that olive oil is very easy on the stomach and has a protective effect on the gastrointestinal process, limiting ulcers and gastritis. It also promotes bile and pancreatic hormone secretion, which helps to prevent gallstones from forming. It can relieve nausea and alleviate gas and heartburn. Some suggest taking olive oil on an empty stomach can help alleviate constipation.
Moisturizes Skin, Hair and Nails
An article by Brian Clark Howard in "The Daily Green" explains that people from the Mediterranean regularly use olive oil to maintain and improve the health of their skin. Olive oil provides a natural way to moisturize, with extra virgin olive oil giving users the best results. The antioxidants present in the oil, specifically vitamins A and E, effectively repair and renew skin, as well as help to stimulate new skin cell growth. It's not uncommon for olive oil to be found in a variety of lotions, shampoos and other toiletry products. It softens cuticles and strengthens fingernails, helping to prevent breaking and chipping. Many also use it as a natural shaving gel.
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