Olive oil is the foundation of many Mediterranean dishes, including baked goods, sautés, seafood, and meat. Its unique taste and health benefits have earned it a reputation as the healthiest of all oils.
High Consumption of Olive Oil is Linked to Better Cardiovascular Health
Scientists have long wondered what it is exactly about the fats in the Mediterranean diet that are so beneficial to heart health. Now, after years of research, scientists have uncovered a probable explanation. As it turns out, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats can actually help your heart.
With a fat content of 86%, olive oil is an excellent source of healthy fat, which nutrition experts believe has contributed to the impressive longevity in countries where olive oil is commonly used in cooking.
The health benefits of olive oil include protecting against cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart failure, and chronic heart disease. This is due to olive oil’s ability to lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels
Olive Oil Can Lower Blood Pressure and Reduce the Risk of Blood Clots
One study shows people with high blood pressure that consume EVOO instead of highly processed fats may be able to reduce the amount of medication they take. After using olive oil in their diet, the group that took part in the study cut their blood pressure medication dosage by almost half.
Monounsaturated fats such as extra virgin olive oil offer powerful protection against blood clotting. This form of fat helps prevent blood clotting by increasing the levels of apoA-IV in the body. People with higher apoA-IV levels have a reduced risk of thrombosis, which can reduce subjects’ chances of heart attack or other cardiovascular crises.
Olive oil has been a staple of the Mediterranean Diet for centuries. And now, recent research has proven that it can help lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
The Credit Goes to the Oleic Acid and Polyphenols Found in Olive Oil
Oleic acid, a kind of unsaturated fatty acid, has been linked to a decreased risk of cholesterol build-up in the arteries, as well as a reduced risk of heart attacks. Consuming olive oil may have surprising anti-inflammatory effects that reduce your risk of heart disease.
New findings show that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Another study found that participants who switched to olive oil from other types of fats, such as those found in butter and dairy fat, had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.
Phenols have anti-inflammatory properties which count towards the general health of your brain. They can also help to enhance nitric acid production, which may help protect you against strokes and heart attacks.
The polyphenols in olive oil had been linked to a healthy heart, a longer life, and even a sharper mind, according to recent research. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends people consume at least three to four tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil per day.
