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Reduces Cholesterol Levels: Substituting extra virgin olive oil for saturated fats can
lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which clogs arteries with fatty deposits. Olive oil contains more monounsaturated (“good”) fat per serving than any other cooking oil. Monounsaturated fats help lower LDL ( “bad “)cholesterol and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol, which cleanses the arteries.
A higher level of HDL is needed to carry LDL from the blood back to the liver to be eliminated from the body. If there is a higher lavel of LDL cholesterol in the blood this may : Cause High blood pressure ! Raise Risk of heart attack ! Raise risk of storke ! Cause the kidneys to fail !
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| Has No Trans Fats: EVOO contains none of the harmful trans fats found in many processed foods. Trans fats are doubly harmful because they raise LDL cholesterol levels but don’t provide a parallel boost to good HDL cholesterol. |
Helps Lower Heart Disease Risk: EVOO, from the first cold pressing of the olives, contains the highest levels of antioxidants (known as polyphenols), which help increase good HDL cholesterol in the blood. Ordinary vegetable oils doesn’t provide the same benefits because the polyphenols are removed during process.
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, September 2006 |
Helps Prevent Breast Cancer: Research has shown that consumption of olive oil, therichest dietary source of oleic acid, helps suppress the action of a cancer-promoting gene found in about a third of breast cancer patients.
Source: Annals of Oncology, January 2005 |
Reduces Alzheimer’s Disease Risk by 40%: A four-year study of over 2,000 men and women found that those whose eating habits most closely followed the Mediterranean pattern – high in fruits, vegetables, beans, and unsaturated fats from olive oil and fish, low on meats and dairy – were least likely to develop the disease.
Source: Annals of Neurology |
Keeps Diabetes Under Control: The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping saturated fats to a minimum to avoid heart disease and other complications. For people with diabetes, extra virgin olive oil is an excellent source of fat because it reduces bad LDL cholesterol, raises good HDL cholesterol, and adds only trace amounts of saturated fat. In addition, regular consumption of olive oil can reduce the chances of developing insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and other conditions.
Source: Diabetes.org |
Relieves Pain and Inflammation: EVOO contains a compound that mimics the pain-relieving action of ibuprofen. Regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil may therefore help decrease the risk of stroke, heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and some dementias.
Source: Monell Chemical Senses Center, September 2005 |
| Eases Common Intestinal Problems: A tablespoon of olive oil consumed on an empty stomach acts as a soothing, nutritious laxative. It can help relieve upset stomachs and heartburn as well. Olive oil also helps defend against ulcers because it protects the stomach and intestinal linings from gastric acid. |
| Enhances Skin, Hair, and Nails: Repair split ends and add luster to your hair by massaging a few tablespoons of EVOO into the hair and scalp. Cover with a plastic shower cap and leave on for anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight, then shampoo as usual. Gently rub a small amount of EVOO into skin whenever you need softening and moisturizing; apply extra oil to rough or cracked areas and stretch marks. |
Helps Maintain Mobility & Inflammation Relief Pain: Consumption of 15 to 30 milligrams a day of vitamin E – primarily from nutrient rich food sources, such as EVOO has been found to help older adults retain mobility as they age. A study of over age 65 indicates vitamin E plays an essential role in preventing a decline in physical functions like walking, standing up from a chair and balancing; basic activities which are essential for independence and quality of life.
Source: The Journal of the American Medical Association, January 2008 |
