You certainly have heard the advice to replace regular cooking oil with olive oil because it is healthier, right? Yes, so far this olive oil is indeed considered a healthy oil and has a myriad of benefits. However, what are the olive oil benefits for the health and beauty?
Olive oil is an oil made from the extraction of olives, which contains omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. However, the fatty acid most contained in olive oil is an excellent oleic acid in the body, and has long been believed to reduce inflammation.
Olive Oil Benefits
When compared to palm oil, the content of unsaturated fatty acids in olive oil tends to be higher, so it can be said to be better for the body. More clearly, here are some of the benefits of olive oil for health:
Maintain heart health
Olive oil becomes a staple part that cannot be separated from the Mediterranean diet that has been proven to be healthy for the heart. Heart disease patients on a Mediterranean diet have also been linked to a low risk of death from the disease.
Maria-Isabel Covas, a researcher at the Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Spain, conducted an extensive review of studies focusing on the biological and clinical effects of olive oil. Covas found that people who regularly consume this oil tend to be protected from the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, stroke, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood).
Covas also found that consuming this oil regularly can help reduce inflammation, endothelial dysfunction (problems of the inner lining walls of blood vessels), thrombosis, and carbohydrate metabolism in the body.
Death rates from heart disease were reported to be low in Southern Mediterranean Countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey) compared to other western countries, although cases of coronary heart disease were higher.
Preventing Stroke
The next olive oil benefits is to prevent stroke. One way to reduce the risk of stroke is to add more olive oil to your diet.
There are many studies that support that regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil can lower the risk of stroke.
The British Journal of Nutrition study found that participants who used olive oil regularly were 41 percent less likely to have a stroke compared to those who never consumed olive oil.
Lowering Cholesterol
One of the main benefits obtained from the consumption of olive oil is to lower cholesterol in the blood. This is because olive oil contains a mixture of antioxidants that can lower bad cholesterol (LDL), while maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body.
Controlling Blood Pressure
Consuming olive oil regularly every day will help control blood pressure. That is why this oil is very good for people with hypertension who want to control blood pressure. Controlled blood pressure can lower the risk of various diseases, including heart disease.
Preventing Cancer
The combination of a healthy diet with increasing the intake of olive oil can increase antioxidant levels in the body. Keep in mind that antioxidants can help ward off free radicals, which can also have a good impact on cancer prevention. However, more research is needed on this.
Overcoming Acne
The next olive oil benefits is to overcome acne. It is also felt by people on a Mediterranean diet who also use olive oil.
One of them is actress Chloe Grace Moretz, who admits that olive oil can get rid of her acne.
In the Journal of Food Protection, it is explained that olive oil has antibacterial properties, which can help prevent skin infections that cause breakouts.
Relieves stomach ulcers
Consuming extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as much as 30 grams or the equivalent of two tablespoons can actually eliminate H. Pylori infection.
It is to be known that H. Pylori is a type of bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers.
So that its benefits to relieve stomach ulcers are felt, olive oil is better to take for two weeks.
How to consume it is enough to add to cooked salads or vegetables. Easy, right?
Reduces the risk of diabetes
Reduces the risk of diabetes is one of olive oil benefits for health. Not only does it lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, olive oil turns out to be useful for reducing the chances of developing diabetes.
This may happen because eating olive oil is related to more positive blood sugar or glucose levels.
A study uploaded at the National Library in 2011 also showed the efficacy of olive oil to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Strengthens bones
For people who crave strong bones despite their growing age, olive oil can help make this wish come true.
The reason is that a study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2018 found that olive oil can strengthen women’s bones.
Relieves rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease (inflammation) that causes painful swelling in certain parts of the body.
Although it causes discomfort, olive oil can be consumed to relieve rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2014.
Studies explain that olive oil is useful in reducing inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Increase fertility
Many studies have shown that both men and women on a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, can increase the chances of pregnancy.
Softening stools
When it is difficult to defecate due to constipation, this problem can be solved by consuming olive oil.
The reason is, olive oil can soften stools when constipated so that defecation becomes easier.
In this sense, olive oil is as effective as mineral oil to relieve constipation.
