The Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Obviously we are not doctors, we’re just really into good food that is also good for you. We heard that Olive Oil was considered a “superfood,” or one that is exceptionally good for you. It’s also a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which is known to promote health and longevity for people who follow it. We did some research and learned about the health benefits so we could share them with you!
Observational studies conducted by Harvard have indicated that consuming higher amounts of extra virgin olive oil can strengthen the immune system and lower the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and even dementia. This is primarily due to the phenolic antioxidant properties found in the oil. The anti-inflammatory oleocanthal and oleuropein are the primary antioxidants that naturally occur in olive oil and protect bad cholesterol (LDL) from oxidation. Oxidation of cholesterol can result in atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the walls of arteries) or make your body think you have a bacterial growth.
Additionally, according to the ACTA Scientific Nutritional Health Journal, extra virgin olive oil is the most stable cooking oil. It has a smoke point of 410F, and, even at this temperature, it produces far fewer potentially harmful trans-fats as compared to other oils. Various tests have been conducted on cooking canola and grapeseed oils, and it has been shown that these oils produce twice the harmful polar compounds as compared to extra virgin olive oil.
Composition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
(1 Tablespoon or 13.5 grams)
Contains 119 calories.
Monounsaturated fat 73%
Saturated Fat 14%
Vitamin E 12% of daily value
Vitamin K 7% of daily value
Vitamin E helps improve the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails.
Vitamin K helps promote calcification of bones and helps skin elasticity.
Olive oil can be a great addition to a dish or a salad dressing. Alternatively, you can consume it on its own as a healthy shot prior to a meal. To kickstart your digestion, take one tablespoon of olive oil in the morning and add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance its flavor. Enjoy!
Sources:Harvard: https://bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-020-02051-wSicilian Sea Salt: https://sicilianseasalt.com/blog/f/what-is-sicilian-sea-salt