In the past two decades, the health sector and the health scene has seen a major transformation and the introduction of new ingredients and products. Amongst these is the very popular olive oil.
We understand that most of us have grown accustomed to using vegetable oils when we think about a healthy oil for cooking but there is a ton of scientific research that shows that the health benefits of olive oil are huge, especially when we include it in our diet on a daily basis.
So, to help you make up your mind about swapping refined vegetable oil with olive oil, here 4 reasons.
MUFA or Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Did you know that since olive oil is extracted directly from olives, it happens to be the natural olive oil that happens to have the maximum amount of monounsaturated fatty acids? Though there are different kinds of fat present in the oil, when one breaks down the composition, it can be found that olive oil has 14% saturated fats and 11% is polyunsaturated fats.
Among all of these though, the fatty acid found in the majority is MUFA or Monounsaturated Fatty Acids. Literally, a total of 73% of the whole oil content contains MUFA or Monounsaturated Fatty acids.
Through a lot of studies, it has been found that oleic acid, which is another name MUFA, helps wonderfully in reducing problems like inflammation and helps the body fight against diseases like cancer too. Thanks to the presence of MUFA in the oil, it only makes sense that people use olive oil for cooking benefits as they also happen to be resistant to heat.
Keep Alzheimer’s at bay
Many people may not be aware of the fact that Alzheimer’s happens to be the most common neurodegenerative disease in the whole world!
Alzheimer’s actually ends up causing a build-up of substances called beta-amyloid plaques inside the brain cells. However, there has been some breakthrough on this front when it has been found through a lot of research, that a few substances present in olive oil could potentially help prevent the formation of this plaque and can also help in removing the ones that already exist.
It has also been found that people who follow the Mediterranean diet have better brain functioning when compared to people who do not include olive oil in their daily diet.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in painful joints and possible deformation of them too. Though the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis has yet to be found, the one thing scientists know is that it is caused when the immune system ends up attacking healthy and normal cells by mistake.
Thorough studies conducted have found that components present in olive oil help, to a great extent in reducing the inflammation that most rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer from. When the consumption of olive oil is combined with fish oil, the effects are truly amazing. This is also because fish oil too consists of anti-inflammatory properties.
Antibacterial in nature
Did you know that olive oil has some amazing nutrients that actually help in the stagnation in growth and sometimes even the wiping out of harmful bacteria present in the body?
When we come to talk about issues like stomach ulcers, a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori is the main reason. Stomach ulcers are dangerous as in the long run, one could even end up developing stomach cancer because of them.
Thanks to a ton of tests that have been conducted to know of the many benefits that olive oil offers our body, it has been found that extra virgin olive oil actually helps fight around 8 strains of this bacterium. Out of these 8 strains, 3 also happen to be resistant to antibiotics!
The Bottom Line
Natural olive oil has truly proven to be a miracle worker when it comes to helping one’s health in the best way possible. It is now up to us as to how we resort to olive oil use. One thing is for certain though; olive oil is here to stay for the long run!
