Olive Oil is the liquid fat, or natural oil, obtained by pressing whole olives is known as olive oil. The fruit, which comes from a Mediterranean tree, has a distinct flavor that varies depending on the country of origin – mild, peppery, or even bitter.It come in a variety of grades, either refined or unrefined, as a result of various processing techniques. Unrefined oils are natural and unprocessed, which means they were extracted without the use of heat or chemicals. This results in a more natural oil with a better flavor. Refined oils are lighter in color and have a milder flavor because they have been treated to eliminate any defects.
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) is an unrefined oil made from the fruit’s first ‘virgin’ press. The extraction process does not use heat, retaining the beneficial plant compounds known as polyphenols. You should expect to pay more for EVOO since it is considered the best quality. It’s also darker in color and has a better flavor. Regular and light olive oils are usually made up of a combination of cold-pressed and refined oils.
Here are 5 benefits of Olive Oil
1. May improve heart health
Olive oil is an important part of the Mediterranean diet, and plenty of research has been done to show that it has heart-health benefits (especially EVOO). Its ability to lower blood pressure and increase cholesterol levels, both of which lead to a lower risk of heart disease, is one example.
It was the only source of monounsaturated fat linked to a lower risk of stroke and heart disease, according to a major analysis of these findings.
2. May reduce inflammation
Inflammation is believed to be one of the main causes of some of our more common chronic illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease and type-2 diabetes. Antioxidants, such as oleic acid contained in olive oil, have been found to play a role in reducing inflammation and the inflammatory marker known as C-Reactive Protein, according to research (CRP).
Polyphenols abound in EVOO, one of which is known as oleocanthal. This compound functions as a natural anti-inflammatory and tends to have the same pharmacological action as ibuprofen. This beneficial property has been linked to positive improvements in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
3. May improve mood
It has been found to play a role in reducing the risk of depression when consumed as part of a balanced diet that involves a high consumption of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and oily fish.
4. May improve brain function
A study showed that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts was linked to improved cognitive function and could minimize the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in older people.
5. May protect against chronic disease
Other preliminary research suggests that olive oil, with its high polyphenol content, can protect against type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. More analysis, however, is needed before conclusive conclusions can be reached.
Is olive oil safe for everyone?
It is a healthy substitute for the majority of people and is a dietary staple for many of the world’s healthiest populations. However, there have been a few cases of allergy, but these are usually to the pollen of the olive tree rather than the oil of the fruit.
Since olive oil is calorie-dense, it should be used sparingly and as a substitute for other fats in the diet.
