Extra virgin olive oil is beneficial to your health whether you use it in cooking or consume it raw, as in salad dressings. It contains vitamins A, D, E and K as well as antioxidants called polyphenols, which are powerful age-fighters and health boosters. People of all ages and health conditions can reap extra virgin olive oil's benefits.
Skin
Free radicals can damage skin cells and the natural lipids in your skin that help keep it soft, elastic and strong. Thanks to its antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, extra virgin olive oil both hinders free radical molecules and supplements your skin's lipid profile. Its oleic acid may also play a part in preventing skin cancer.
Blood Pressure
Extra virgin olive oil lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in both men and women. It is not clear whether the antioxidants, healthful mono-unsaturated fats or other components of olive oil are the cause, but the International Olive Oil Council states that just adding extra virgin olive oil to an otherwise-unchanged diet produces a definite lowering of blood pressure.
Immune System
The mono-unsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil help fortify the immune system against outside attacks from viruses or bacteria. These beneficial fatty acids may also help regulate key immune system processes overall, and the vitamins in the olive oil combat immune-system-damaging vitamin deficiencies.
Cancer
Registered dietitian Denis M. Medeiros notes that there is a "protective association" between the oleic acid in extra virgin olive oil and breast cancer. He notes that olive oil is the best way to up your intake of oleic acid for cancer prevention, because olive oil has optimal levels of other nutrients that work in combination with the oleic acid. Dr. Medeiros also says olive oil's antioxidants may also play a role in preventing cancers of various kinds.
Diabetes
Extra virgin olive oil may delay or even prevent the onset of Type-II diabetes by preventing insulin resistance and moderating blood sugar levels. Olive oil's beneficial effects on blood pressure can help prevent diabetes as well. A diet with extra virgin olive oil as its main fat source is the most effective option for diabetics or those at risk for diabetes.
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