Olive oil is made from the crushing and then the subsequent pressing of olives. It is a natural juice that preserves the taste, aroma, and nutrients of the olive fruit. Extra virgin olive oil - derived from the first pressing of the olives - has the most delicate flavor and the most health benefits.
The Health Benefits of Olive Oil
1. It protects against heart disease. Studies show that two tablespoons of olive oil per day decreases LDL and total cholesterol. It decreases atherosclerosis and protects the lining of our blood vessels, thus preventing high blood pressure.
2. It protects against breast cancer. Oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fatty acid in olive oil, has been shown to reduce the expression of certain oncogenes related to aggressive breast cancer tumor growth.
3. It reduces abdominal fat and insulin resistance. Diets high in olive oil, as compared to those high in saturated fat, prevent belly fat accumulation and insulin resistance, which are associated with type 2 diabetes.
4. It decreases rates of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are used to decrease inflammation in the body, thereby reducing inflammation involved with asthma and arthritis.
5. It decreases osteoporosis. Polyphenols in olive oil greatly decrease the inflammation-mediated bone loss associated with osteoporosis.
6. It has anti-oxidant properties. Polyphenols in olive oil protect DNA from free radical damage.
7. It protects against colon cancer. The olive oil polyphenols protect the lining of the colon, blocking the carcinogenesis pathway.
www.erinelster.com
No comments:
Post a Comment