Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Good For You?

Research suggests that extra virgin olive oil provides you with health benefits, MayoClinic.com notes. Olive oils contain a healthier type of fat, called monounsaturated fat, which can replace saturated fat, such as butter, and trans fat in partially hydrogenated oils when you prepare food in a heart-healthy diet. Antioxidants in olive oil may protect against diseases. Extra virgin olive oil goes through very little processing to retain its natural ingredients.

Identification

Extra virgin olive oil comes straight from the olive and undergoes enough separating, washing and filtering for a natural product, the Olive Oil Source says. Virgin olive oil has a little more processing and still has high quality, but lower than extra virgin olive oil. Ordinary olive oils contain healthful properties, but not as much as extra virgin olive oil.

Heart Health

The monounsaturated fat in extra virgin olive oil may reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" cholesterol, in the blood, according to MayoClinic.com. LDL can accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries and decrease oxygen-rich blood to the heart. When the excess cholesterol clogs the blood vessels, it can lead to heart disease. Two tbsp. of olive oil a day may decrease your risk of heart disease.

Antioxidants

Polyphenols, natural antioxidants, in extra virgin olive oil may boost the immune system, combat high cholesterol and lower risks of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, Northwestern University says. Researchers found that the polyphenols inhibit genes that play a role in high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, according to a study reported in the April 10, 2010, issue of "BMC Genomics." Research focused on 20 people who had high blood pressure and high cholesterol and ate breakfasts high in virgin olive oil.

Cell Functioning

The antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil may prevent oxidation, which causes cell damage, to reduce the risk of cell aging and osteoporosis, a bone-degenerating disease that can affect people as they age, according to researchers working with the University of Granada. Because olive oil is the main source of dietary fat in the Mediterranean diet, the researchers examined the possible benefits from olive oil in that particular diet, ScienceDaily reports. Low levels of heart disease and other diseases occur in Mediterranean countries where the diet is practiced. The Mediterranean diet also includes high amounts of fruits, vegetables, grains and fish.

Cancer Protection

Polyphenols in olive oil may provide protective action against breast cancer, according to research reported in the Dec. 18, 2008, issue of "BMC Cancer." The research may lead to the development of drugs, based on the antioxidant activity, to fight cancers.