The Mediterranean diet, and high consumption of extra virgin olive oil in particular, have long been associated with a healthier lifestyle. In fact, the benefits of olive oil may include a longer life expectancy, as well as lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and even cancer.
Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which are widely considered to be a healthy dietary fat, as opposed to saturated fats and trans fats. Studies have also shown that olive oil may protect against depression and cognitive degeneration. It’s truly a powerful key to a healthy mind, body and soul.
Cancer Fighter
A study of women in Sweden found that those whose diets were higher in monounsaturated fats (compared to polyunsaturated fats) showed less frequent incidence of breast cancer.
Cholesterol Regulator
The potent mix of antioxidants in olive oil has been shown to reduce “bad” (LDL) cholesterol while leaving your “good” (HDL) cholesterol untouched.
Heart Helper
Diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) have been linked to a healthy heart and fewer strokes.
Weight Watcher
Research has found that replacing trans and saturated fats with monounsaturated fat such as that of olive oil resulted in weight loss.
Pain Reliever
Extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound that prevents the production of certain inflammatory enzymes, the same way ibuprofen works.
Belly Tamer
A study by the American Diabetes Association linked diets with monounsaturated fat with better belly fat loss than high carbohydrate diets.
Mood Moderator
Spanish researchers have linked higher olive oil intake, along with greater consumption of polyunsaturated fats, was associated with a lower risk of depression.
Brain Protector
A Study in New York City following those adhering to the Mediterranean diet high in extra virgin olive had a 32 to 40 percent lower incidence of Alzheimer’s risk.
And best of all, olive oil is a delicious addition to anyone’s diet.
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2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192?pg=2
3. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/100/11/1253.full
4. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/Monounsaturated-Fats_UCM_301460_Article.jsp
5. http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/best-foods-for-arthritis/olive-oil-inflammation.php
6. http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/7/1717.abstract
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3725699/
8. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/25/health/25nutr.html?_r=0