When it comes to the kitchen, olive oil is a mainstay. You can use it for everything from sautéing vegetables to baking bread. But what you might not know is that olive oil has many health benefits, too.
If you want to start living a healthier life, then you should start consuming olive oil every day. Believe it or not, this simple change can make a big difference in your overall health. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 reasons why you should start using olive oil every day. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Olive Oil?
Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from olives, the fruit of the olive tree. Olive oil has been used for centuries as both a food and a medicine, and it is a staple in the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil is a good source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins E and K.
There are three main types of olive oil:
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Extra-virgin olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is also made from pure, cold-pressed olives. Because this oil has not been exposed to chemicals or heat during processing, it is more flavorful and nutritious. Its darkness in color is also a result of its lack of processing.
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Refined olive oil
The process of manufacturing refined olive oil involves pressing olives to release the oil and then refining it with heat or chemicals. This creates a lower-quality olive oil that is lacking in taste, smell, and color. Additionally, this extra processing step also reduces the number of vitamins and polyphenols present in the final product.
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Pure olive oil
Pure olive oil is made from a blend of cold-pressed and refined olive oil. It is comparatively more acidic than refined and extra-virgin olive oil.
Now let’s discuss the benefits of consuming olive oil every day:
Top 10 Reasons to Start Consuming Olive Oil Every Day
1. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural process that occurs when the body is trying to heal from an injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Luckily, olive oil can help to reduce inflammation.
Olive oil contains a compound called oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Oleocanthal has been shown to work in a similar way to ibuprofen, a common anti-inflammatory medication. Regular consumption of olive oil can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Fortunately, olive oil can help to lower blood pressure. In one study, participants who consumed two tablespoons of olive oil daily for eight weeks had a significant reduction in their blood pressure levels.
3. It’s Good for Your Heart
One of the primary reasons why you should start consuming olive oil every day is because it’s good for your heart. Numerous studies have shown that olive oil can help to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, olive oil contains antioxidants that can help to protect the heart against damage.
4. It Can Help You Lose Weight
If you’re looking to lose weight, consuming olive oil every day can help. Olive oil is a healthy fat that can help to increase satiety and reduce appetite. Additionally, olive oil can help to boost the metabolism and promote the burning of fat.
5. It Improves Brain Health
Olive oil has also been shown to improve brain health. The healthy fats in olive oil can help to improve cognitive function and protect the brain against age-related decline. Additionally, the antioxidants in olive oil can help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
6. It may reduce the Risk of Cancer
Another great reason to consume olive oil every day is that it can help to reduce the risk of cancer. Olive oil contains antioxidants that can help to protect cells from damage, while the healthy fats in olive oil can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, olive oil has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer.
7. It Can Help Improve Bone Health
If you’re looking to improve your bone health, consuming olive oil every day can help. Olive oil helps to increase calcium absorption and promote bone growth. Additionally, the healthy fats in olive oil can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is a risk factor for osteoporosis.
8. Improves Skin Health
Olive oil can also help to improve your skin health. The healthy fats in olive oil can help to keep your skin hydrated and protect it from damage. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, which has numerous benefits for skin health, including treating inflammation, and acne, and protecting against serious conditions like psoriasis and skin cancer.
9. Helps Prevent Diabetes
If you’re at risk for diabetes, consuming olive oil every day can help to prevent the disease. Olive oil helps to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, the healthy fats in olive oil can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is a major risk factor for diabetes. A diet rich in mono and polyunsaturated fats, like the one that contains olive oil, can help prevent diabetes, according to a study.
10. Can help in relieving constipation
The laxative-like properties of olive oil can help to keep things regular, stimulate your digestive system, and make sure food moves through the colon smoothly. This oil works to completely prevent constipation when taken regularly. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats which aid colonic mobility, and bowel evacuation and prevent constipation.
Conclusion
The next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to pick up a bottle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. You not only get to enjoy its delicious flavor but also reap a variety of health benefits. So far, we’ve talked about how olive oil can help improve your digestion, reduce inflammation, and may reduce the risk of cancer. But that’s just the beginning – it has been shown to benefit everything from your skin to your mental health.