Olive oil is a widely used ingredient in just about any style of
cooking with a variety of different types and flavors available to
compliment different types of dishes. Though it is known for its
versatile cooking purposes, its health benefits should not be
overlooked. Its major health benefits include reducing the risk of
hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes/ metabolic
syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease while aiding in the aging process to
increase longevity.
Hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, generally as a result of a diet high in saturated fat. Olive oil helps to lower blood pressure with unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish and vegetable oils that neutralize saturated fats with antioxidant components such as polyphenols. These properties are demonstrated by an Italian study in which hypertension patients who consumed 40 grams of olive oil a day reduced their blood pressure by around 50%, allowing half of them to reduce the dosage of their blood pressure medication or stop taking it altogether.
Olive oil not only helps to lower high blood pressure, but it also lowers cholesterol to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The main cause of cardiovascular disease and stroke is high LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels that block major arteries to the heart, brain, and kidneys. This is counteracted with HDL, or "good," cholesterol that reduces blockage by removing buildups of LDL cholesterol and preventing it from oxidizing. The HDL cholesterol also breaks down blood clots and prevents new ones from forming. By consuming just two tablespoons of olive oil a day, it is possible to decrease LDL cholesterol levels while slightly increasing HDL cholesterol.
In addition to reducing the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, olive oil also helps reduce the complications of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Inflammations are a common symptom of these conditions and the polyphenols and squalene components have anti-inflammatory qualities to help relieve these symptoms. These anti-inflammatory qualities can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease which is caused in part by inflammation of the brain cells that result in neurodegeneration. Another way that olive oil can help with type 2 diabetes is with glycemic control. It does this by taking space away from carbohydrates and simple sugars to lessen their effect on insulin levels.
The same components that have been shown to help reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease also help slow the aging process and increase longevity. Our bodies contain free radical agents that attack body cells and damage the DNA found within them. Olive oil helps reduce the damage to cells and DNA by limiting peroxidation, or the loss of electrons to free radical agents. This will help reduce the effects of aging and keep cells protected from radical free agents to preserve their vitality and youthfulness.
Olive oil is more than just a versatile cooking agent; it also contains several components that are beneficial to your health. These health benefits include reducing the risks of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's and alleviating symptoms of diabetes, hypertension, and aging. By making olive oil a consistent part your diet, you can experience the many health benefits it has to offer.
Hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, generally as a result of a diet high in saturated fat. Olive oil helps to lower blood pressure with unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish and vegetable oils that neutralize saturated fats with antioxidant components such as polyphenols. These properties are demonstrated by an Italian study in which hypertension patients who consumed 40 grams of olive oil a day reduced their blood pressure by around 50%, allowing half of them to reduce the dosage of their blood pressure medication or stop taking it altogether.
Olive oil not only helps to lower high blood pressure, but it also lowers cholesterol to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The main cause of cardiovascular disease and stroke is high LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels that block major arteries to the heart, brain, and kidneys. This is counteracted with HDL, or "good," cholesterol that reduces blockage by removing buildups of LDL cholesterol and preventing it from oxidizing. The HDL cholesterol also breaks down blood clots and prevents new ones from forming. By consuming just two tablespoons of olive oil a day, it is possible to decrease LDL cholesterol levels while slightly increasing HDL cholesterol.
In addition to reducing the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, olive oil also helps reduce the complications of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Inflammations are a common symptom of these conditions and the polyphenols and squalene components have anti-inflammatory qualities to help relieve these symptoms. These anti-inflammatory qualities can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease which is caused in part by inflammation of the brain cells that result in neurodegeneration. Another way that olive oil can help with type 2 diabetes is with glycemic control. It does this by taking space away from carbohydrates and simple sugars to lessen their effect on insulin levels.
The same components that have been shown to help reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease also help slow the aging process and increase longevity. Our bodies contain free radical agents that attack body cells and damage the DNA found within them. Olive oil helps reduce the damage to cells and DNA by limiting peroxidation, or the loss of electrons to free radical agents. This will help reduce the effects of aging and keep cells protected from radical free agents to preserve their vitality and youthfulness.
Olive oil is more than just a versatile cooking agent; it also contains several components that are beneficial to your health. These health benefits include reducing the risks of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's and alleviating symptoms of diabetes, hypertension, and aging. By making olive oil a consistent part your diet, you can experience the many health benefits it has to offer.
The Olive Gallery provides a wide range of flavored oils and balsamic vinegars.
http://www.theolivegallery.com/
