Extra virgin olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil, a typical product of our land that never ceases to amaze with its countless benefits. Scientific research has also gone several times to study the possible health effects of this special condiment. Do you know all the properties of extra virgin olive oil?
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Extra virgin olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil, a typical product of our land that never ceases to amaze with its countless benefits. Scientific research has also gone several times to study the possible health effects of this very special condiment, an essential element of the Mediterranean diet. You know all properties extra virgin olive oil?
Olive oil, and in particular extra virgin olive oil, is a condiment that should never be missing on our tables. To make you better understand how precious this food is, we present you 20 scientifically proven properties that will make you think about how important it is to consume this product raw every day on our favorite dishes.
Read also: EVO OIL: PROPERTIES AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Index
Extra virgin olive oil helps in case of diabetes
Extra virgin olive oil is capable of reduce blood sugar peaks after meals, thus helping to protect people with diabetes from any health complications. A tablespoon or two of this oil per meal can help keep blood sugar at bay without having to limit carbohydrates as much as possible.
Read also: EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL IS A TOCCASANA ALSO AGAINST DIABETES (TABLE OF CONDIMENTS)
Extra virgin olive oil protects the liver
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and it is they who help the liver in that counteract the accumulation of fat in this organ which is so important for the detoxification of our organism. A maximum consumption of 4-5 tablespoons a day of this oil associated with physical activity can help keep our liver healthy.
Read also: OLIVE OIL FIGHTS DIABETES AND PROTECTS THE LIVER
Extra virgin olive oil reduces the risk of breast cancer
Olive oil and breast cancer. A research a few years ago came to the conclusion that the consumption of this condiment is part of the Mediterranean diet helps reduce the risk of breast cancer by 68% compared to those who follow other diets in which extra virgin olive oil is not often used.
Read also: BREAST CANCER: THE RISK IS REDUCED WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
It prevents colon cancer
But not only against breast cancer, olive oil is also able to protect us from colon cancer. An Italian-Swedish study has shown how this oil has the ability to stimulate CNR1, a gene capable of suppressing cancer cells, particularly those of colon cancer.
Read also: EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL PREVENTS COLON CANCER
It can prevent Alzheimer's
According to a research conducted by the University of Florence, extra virgin olive oil is a precious ally against Alzheimer's, aging and degenerative diseases. This property could be attributed to the presence of oleuropein aglycone, the main phenol contained in extra virgin olive oil, and other antioxidants that have a protective action against the brain.
Read also: EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AGAINST AGING, TO PREVENT ALZHEIMER
Reduces the risk of stroke
According to a research by the University of Bordeaux, a daily consumption of extra virgin olive oil is able to avert the risk of stroke. Those who use this condiment most frequently see the chance of having a 41% less stroke compared to those who do not use it at all.
Read also: EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL REDUCES THE RISK OF ICTUS
Protects the heart and arteries
A research from the Sapienza University of Rome has shown how consuming extra virgin olive oil can not only ward off the risk of diabetes but also ensure the health of the heart and arteries thanks to the fact that this dressing keeps blood sugar at bay but also it helps to keep the LDL cholesterol level lower.
Read also: EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: REMOVES DIABETES, PROTECTS HEART AND ARTERIES
It keeps the feeling of hunger at bay
Extra virgin olive oil also boasts a satiating power. In particular, it would be some aromatic molecules contained in it that would act, on the one hand through the sense of smell and on the other during digestion, to slow down the absorption of sugars by the liver, thus avoiding a rapid lowering of blood sugar with a consequent sense of hunger.
Read also: Olive oil increases the sense of satiety
It is antioxidant
Thanks to the polyphenols and tocopherols of which it is rich, extra virgin olive oil is a food with great antioxidant power. It therefore acts against free radicals responsible for aging and prevents different types of diseases.
It is as good as breast milk
Olive oil and breast milk olive oil contain similar nutrients but it is above all the presence of omega 3 and omega 6 that make it the most similar fat to breast milk with all the benefits that this entails. This is true, however, only if it is a good quality oil and correctly processed in the mill.
Read also: OLIVE OIL IS GOOD LIKE BREAST MILK
It may play a protective role in multiple sclerosis
Olive oil is the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. Research has revealed how Oleocanthal, polyphenol present in extra virgin olive oil, is able to inhibit some enzymatic activities involved in demyelination (loss of myelin in the nerves typical of multiple sclerosis) and in the appearance of some tumors. Scholars have therefore come to the conclusion that the Mediterranean diet and olive oil may also have a protective role against Multiple Scelerosis.
Improves cognitive functions in the elderly
Research has found that the Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil and nuts is associated with a improvement of the cognitive function of the elderly. Oxidative stress and vascular damage are believed to be partly responsible for age-related cognitive decline and therefore a strong risk factor for the development of dementia. Epidemiological studies suggest that this type of diet is a cardioprotective diet, rich in antioxidants that can also delay cognitive decline.
Helps the well-being of the bones
The olive oil prevents bone loss in patients with cancer and has excellent prospects for treating osteoporosis after menopause. According to the results of a research, in fact, this oil has shown significant anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer benefits in vivo. However, more studies are needed to determine exactly which active ingredient is responsible for these bone benefits.
It keeps bad cholesterol at bay
I phenolic compounds present in extra virgin olive oil inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Several epidemiological and experimental studies have associated the intake of antioxidants, which are abundant in the Mediterranean diet, with a low incidence of cardiovascular disease. A possible mechanism of this action is precisely the oxidative protection of low density lipoproteins (LDL).
Helps to lose weight
A Mediterranean diet, particularly rich in virgin olive oil, is associated with high levels of plasma antioxidant capacity. This factor is also beneficial in terms of reducing body weight. A scientific research has in fact evaluated the positive effects of a diet rich in olive oil followed for 3 years by a group of people with high cardiovascular risk.
Together with honey and beeswax it is a natural aid against irritation and hemorrhoids
Research has discovered how a blend of honey, olive oil and beeswax is effective for treatment of diaper rash, psoriasis, eczema and fungal skin infections. The mixture has antibacterial properties and a pilot study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a topical application of this mixture on patients with anal fissures or hemorrhoids. The synergy between these natural ingredients has succeeded in significantly reduce bleeding, itching and pain.
Improves metabolism in obese patients
The phenolic compounds naturally contained in extra virgin olive oil have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A study aimed to evaluate the effects of an extra virgin olive oil rich in polyphenols on metabolic control and the production of specific anti-inflammatory substances in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. It has thus been seen that a daily consumption of extra virgin olive oil rich in polyphenols could improve the metabolism in this type of patient.
Protects blood vessels from air pollution
THEexposure to atmospheric particulate matter induces endothelial dysfunction in the long run (the endothelium is a tissue of the blood vessels), risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A study has shown that olive oil has beneficial effects on the restoration of endothelial function.
Together with sea buckthorn it is a remedy for burns
A blend of sea buckthorn and olive oil can be considered one alternative dressing for burns. A study has in fact highlighted how these natural remedies used in synergy are able to promote tissue regeneration following burns.
Relieves ulcerative colitis
According to a research, extra virgin olive oil has shown immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties against ulcerative colitis. Responsible for these beneficial effects would be gods monounsaturated fatty acids but also some components present in the unsaponifiable fraction of the oil.
You guys do you regularly consume extra virgin olive oil?
