Benefits of Olive Oil in Your Body
Introduction
Olive oil has been considered a staple in the Mediterranean diet for centuries, because of its palatable taste and countless health benefits. The history of olive oil goes back several thousands of years, hence earning a claim as a superfood. But apart from its taste and aroma, what other benefits does this golden liquid offer the body? Let’s look at the olive oil health benefits in detail by starting from the cellular levels inside the body.
1. Helps with Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s normal biological coping mechanism to injury, infection, etc. However, when there is chronic inflammation, serious diseases such as heart diseases, and arthritis can be experienced. While over-the-counter ibuprofen may dissolve some of pains and swelling, nothing compares to what the olive oil has in it; oleocanthal is a substance found in olive oil which is an anti-inflammatory agent. The more of such oils one reaches for and eats, the less inflammation chronic conditions will bring about. It’s a safe method of controlling internal inflammation for those who do not wish for oral medication.
How Olive Oil Helps
- Reduces Chronic Inflammation: Helps lower the incidence of heart disease, arthritis and other diseases that are due to chronic inflammation.
- Natural Pain Relief: Serves as Pain and Swelling Relief.
2. Control Overweight
In sharp contrast to the wrongly held belief, not all types of fat are considered to be an added weight and it has been discovered that olive oil can actually help in controlling weight. This phenomenon should not be confused with hunger and is great because olive oil is a source of healthy fats especially monounsaturated ones helps in enhancing satiety thus curbs excessive eating. Also, it is likely to stimulate your body’s metabolism, therefore, controlling weight is less of a burden. For controlling weight, the most straightforward yet effective means is to add olive oil into your diet replacing the unhealthy fats on your other foods.
Key Benefits
- Suppressed Hunger: Fullness is felt for a longer period of time which reduces the chances of overeating.
- Increased Metabolism: Effective in controlling weight as it works towards maintaining an efficient metabolism.
3. Skin Care
Joseph David emphasizes the need of Olive oil on skin as it’s a skin protector with lots of nutrients in the skin that promote its health and beauty.
Also Read: 9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Varicose Veins and Increase Blood Flow
Nutrients in Olive Oil
- Vitamin E: Protects the skin from free radical damage.
- Fatty Acids: They moisturize and nourish the skin making it more elastic.
Uses for Skin benefits
- Moisturizing agents: It can be applied directly on the skin for moisturizing purposes.
- Therapeutics: Apply on scars and wounds to enhance the rate of healing.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it requires care. Olive oil contains crafty healing properties and vitamins to ensure skin health. It is fortified with Vitamin E, which is a potent shield for the skin against destructive elements such as pollution and ultraviolet rays. Additionally, Olive Oil is nourishing and healing thus offering more effectiveness in treatment of conditions such as dry and allied problems. In addition, its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial features may assist in tissue repair, scar reduction, and enhancement of skin quality.
4. Antioxidant Protection
There are antioxidants in olive oil, which are very essential to the body as they help fight oxidative damage by free radicals.
How They Help
- Cell Protection: Surpasses cells oxidative stress that may result in chronic diseases.
- Aging Defense: Protects cells and therefore slows down the aging stage.
Among healthy fats, olive oil is rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin E and polyphenols that help prevent oxidative damage to cells. Oxidation is generally associated with distress caused to the body cells from the presence of excess free radicals in the body without adequate amounts of antioxidants to neutralize them and leads to chronic ailments like cancers and coronary diseases. The active ingredients of olive oil scavenge free radicals and protect cells, thus minimizing the chances of developing these fundamental ailments.
5. Digestive Health
Proper functioning of the body’s physiologically active system is crucial for a positive health condition, and olive oil can assist with that. The application of olive oil has been established to shield the intestinal wall. This prevents gastro illnesses such as gastritis and ulcers. Also, it helps the liver produce bile which is necessary for dietary fat and the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Also, olive oil has a laxative effect which makes bowel emptying easy. The digestive system is very important for the general health of a person with the help of olive oil improving digestion in many ways.
Digestive Benefits
- Protects Gut Lining: Prevents damage to the gut, thus helping to reduce the occurrence of ulcers and gastritis.
- Aids Nutrient Absorption: Increase the level of absorption of fat soluble vitamin.
- Natural Laxative: Aids in the treatment of constipation, encourages elimination behaviour.
6. Cognitive Function
One of the unwarranted stereotypes about fat is that it is bad for the brain. However, this is not the case with olive oil. According to studies, olive oil containing monounsaturated fats is helpful to the brain and reduces the chances of cognitive impairment in elderly persons. There is research supporting the claim that increased intake of olive oil is linked with a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. So when you consume it, you not only feed your body but also your brain.
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Brain Benefits
- Improves Cognitive Function: Gives a boost in memory and thinking faculties.
- Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s: Might prevent the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases.
7. Bone Health
The healthy working of the human body is dependent on healthy bones as a primary requirement and therefore the role of olive oil is to prevent loss in bone mass and strength. Olive oil fortifies the amount of calcium that is retained in the body, which helps in the formation of healthy bones. Other studies indicate that increase consumption of olive oil decreases the risk of developing Osteoporosis, where the bones become weak and porous. However, this age shall come towards the later years in life while utilizing olive oil helps in maintaining healthy bone density and strength.
Bone Benefits
- Improves Calcium Absorption: Results in better and healthier bones.
- Reduces Osteoporosis Risk: Has potential to prevent Osteoporosis in middle aged and aged persons
8. Anti-aging Benefits
Getting older happens to everyone and there are practical ways to achieve that level graciously. Olive oil turns out to be one of the materials for reducing the signs of aging. More specifically, olive oil, Vitamin E, and other nutrients fight free radicals that destroy the skin and lead to wrinkles. The emollient nature of olive oil also serves to hydrate the skin, making it plump and youthful. Also, the effective painkillers present in olive oil can soften and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles making it a useful weapon in combating aging.
Anti-aging Benefits
- Youthful Skin: Makes it easier for the skin to remain soft, supple and free from any wrinkles.
- Cellular Protection: Protects the cells thus slowing down the rate of aging.
How to Use
- Skin Care: Acts as a natural moisturizer.
- Dietary: Use it as part of your diet and gain benefits from within.
Also Read: Prediabetes Warning Signs You Are Unaware Of
9. Prevention of Cancer
Cancer is one of the diseases, which brings fear to the hearts of its perpetrators. However, the consumption of olive oil, whose composition is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, might be helpful. It has been proven that polyphenols present in olive oil are capable of exerting a significant reduction in the oxidative stress on cells, which is one of the leading factors responsible for the genesis of cancer.
In addition, cancer preventive effects may also be conferred by the anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil, which is especially the case with breast, colon, and prostate cancers. There is no single food capable of reducing your chances of contracting cancer, however the addition of olive oil to a healthy diet can be a very effective measure of cancer prevention.
Cancer-Preventing Qualities
- Reduces Cellular Damage: Protects cells from cancer-causing damage.
- Reduces Inflammation: Helps reduce the risk of cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate
Conclusion
In the heart of a Mediterranean kitchen, one finds extra virgin olive oil. It is more than just an ingredient or a cooking fat. It alone provides so many benefits to the human body. Olive oil reduces body inflammation, helps with weight control, protects the skin, and also prevents the onset of chronic diseases. Such a simple product adds to the overall health. Through regular use of olive oil, one can expect to reap the benefits in health and wellness in the years ahead.
Start using olive oil in your daily routine now and see the difference for yourself! For example, pour it on a salad, smear it on a salad, use it in skin products, or cook with it—all such ways will improve your health.
