Coconut oil has become the new wonder oil. It seems able to fix or help just about anything, so much so that many of us are forgetting about the incredible health benefits of olive oil.
I was guilty of this but after I started taking c60 of olive oil every day, my love for olive oil was reignited.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil and often synonymous with health, vitality, and longevity, not to mention a lower risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
- Oleic acid: Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids. 73% of olive oil is made up of a fat called oleic acid which is extremely good for our bodies, as well as other various phenolic compounds such as oleocanthal, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol. These substances are believed to ‘fine tune’ nearly 100 human genes and in turn, cell signaling, and age-associated processes.
- Biologically active antioxidants: Olive oil is chock full of biologically active antioxidants that can fight inflammation and help prevent the cholesterol in our blood from becoming oxidized, both crucial to minimizing the risk of heart disease.
- Reduced stroke risk: The relationship between olive oil and the risk of stroke has been researched extensively. In two large studies, it was found that olive oil was the only monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. to read more studies click here.
- Preventing Alzheimer’s: Scientists recently linked oleocanthal, a natural phenylethanoid found in extra-virgin olive oil, to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain.
A study published in 2013 showed that the presence of oleocanthal increased two major amyloid-beta transport proteins at the blood-brain barrier which enhances the clearance of amyloid-beta from the brain.
Additionally, this study demonstrated that ‘oleocanthal treatment’ causes an increase in amyloid-beta-degrading enzymes which significantly increases the breakdown of amyloid-beta. - Protection against Heart Disease: Hundreds of studies have shown that increased olive oil intake is linked to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease. It does this by reducing inflammation, protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation, and improving the lining of the blood vessels which may prevent unwanted blood clotting. Furthermore, in one study, olive oil reduced the need for blood pressure medications by 48
- Healthy Weight: Consuming large amounts of olive oil does not appear to increase the likelihood of weight gain. In fact, it may even be beneficial for weight loss.
- Reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Both observational studies and clinical trials suggest that olive oil, combined with a Mediterranean diet, can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (bi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16818923,
Final Thoughts
So, it seems that Olive oil might just be one of the healthiest fats on the planet, but get all the incredible health benefits of olive oil, we can’t overstate the importance of getting the right kind.
Extra virgin olive oil is the only type that contains all the antioxidants and bioactive compounds, so it is the only olive oil we recommend.
However, there are many ‘fraudulent’ olive oils in the market, many oils may have the ‘extra virgin’ label but have been diluted with other refined oils, so it is worth paying for a trusted brand and doing your research to make sure you’re getting the real deal!
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Wondering what c60 is? Click here to find out why it’s the most powerful antioxidant known, and all the incredible health benefits
