Olive Oil: Health benefits Galore!

The health benefits of olive oil have been recognized by people all over the world for many generations. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used to rely on the healing powers of olive to cure certain types of ailments and he actively promoted it to his disciples. In the ancient Mediterranean, the olive and its oil was used extensively in food preparations because of its nutritional value.

In fact, until now, the typical Mediterranean diet still includes olive oil in both raw and cooked variants. Aside from using olive oil in food preparations, people in the ancient Mediterranean also use this type of oil to heal superficial skin abrasions, sooth burns and keep the skin supple.

Is it commonly used all over the world?

Over the years, the use of olive oil remains popular in different parts of the world. In the United States, olive oil has become part of the lives on many people. A number of studies have recognized the health benefits of this oil.

According the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), daily consumption of olive oil can lower the risk of coronary heart disease. This type of oil can help reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and prevent arterial plaque build ups. Extra virgin or virgin olive oils which are the first derivative oils contain high levels of polyphenols which are said to promote efficient heart functions.

Aside from being heart friendly, modern science has also proven that olive oil can help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A study conducted in Greece revealed that people who consume considerable amounts of olive oil daily are less likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis than those people who do not consume olive oil.

Can olive oil help slowdown aging?

A good number of medical studies suggest that diets that are rich in vitamin E food can help prevent excessive breakdown certain fatty acids, thereby effective slowing down the aging process. Since olive oil contains large amounts of Vitamin E, experts believe that consuming this type of oil does help prevent premature aging. What is more interesting about olive oil is that it contains Vitamin A which helps prevent the appearance of premature skin wrinkles.