Olive Oil is one of the best sources of monounsaturated 'healthy' fats and is an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine. It is made from crushing and then pressing of olives. Olive oil is the only oil that may be consumed freshly pressed from the fruit and it preserves the taste, aroma and properties as well. Extra virgin olive oil is considered the purest of olive oils because it the least processed and comes from the first pressing of the olives.
Cardiovasuclar Benefits
Pure virgin olive oil can help prevent cardiovascular disease and is good for your heart. Olive oil is high in healthy fats and low in saturated fat and trans fat. Substituting olive oil in lieu of other fats lowers your risk of chronic degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis, asthma and diabetes. Mayoclinic.com states that the monounsaturated fats present in olive oil reduce the total and low-density lipoprotein "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood, lowering your risk of heart disease.
Food and Drug Administration states that consuming about 2 tablespoons of olive oil every day may reduce your risk of heart disease. The Mayo Clinic notes that substituting olive oil for unhealthful fats in your diet is the best way to reap the cardiovascular benefits -- rather than just adding olive oil.
Ulcer prevention
According to the Northwestern University Health Sciences and the New York Times, a recent Spanish study suggests that virgin olive oil might help prevent and treat infections that are the cause of millions of cases of gastritis and peptic ulcers. Compounds in olive oil can fight different strains of "H. pylori," a bacteria involved in promoting ulcers that is antibiotic resistant.
Tendon and joint support
Pure Virgin olive oil can also help soothe inflammation and relieve stiffness from arthritis according to Yoga Journal. They suggest not only consuming the oil orally, but applying it topically and massaging it into stiff and sore joints. This can help lubricate joints and may be a better alternative to try to incorporate than prescription painkillers or over-the-counter NSAIDs.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Olive Oil: What Are the Health Benefits?
- Northwestern University Health Sciences: Olive Oil May Prevent Ulcers
- New York Times: Peptic Ulcer Lifestyle Changes
- Yoga Journal: Yoga Well Being - A Joint Program
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Dietary Fish Oil and Olive Oil Supplementation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; Kremer JM; 1990
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