What Is Special About Olive Oil? 11 Health Benefits

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Olive oil is considered special because it is not only delicious but also contains large amounts of antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that are good for your health

Olive oil is considered special because it is not only delicious but also contains large amounts of antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that are good for your health and have the following properties:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antiviral
• Antiatherogenic
• Antithrombotic
• Antimutagenic
• Hypoglycemic

What is the nutritional content of olive oil?

Unique properties of olive oil that provide various health benefits include:

• Antioxidants: Flavonoids and polyphenols, which are good for the heart and brain due to their ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Although there are others, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol are the most important phenol molecules present in olive oil. Together, these can assist to avoid the onset of heart disease and strokes.
• Fatty acids: Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that is considered a healthy fat. Linoleic acid is polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory effects and wound healing properties

Olive oil also has an astringent, slightly bitter flavor that is pleasant and distinct. It also has a good shelf life.

11 health benefits of olive oil

1. Fights inflammation: Studies have shown that oleic acid can help fight inflammation in the body, which is one of the leading contributors to chronic diseases and even certain types of cancer.
2. Promotes heart health: Olive oil is high in antioxidants, vitamin E, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, which can help protect your body from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. The bioactive antioxidants found in olive oil have anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of the over-the-counter medicine ibuprofen. Studies have reported that olive oil can help lower bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol, which is good for heart health.
3. May lower blood pressure: Whether you already have hypertension or are at a high risk due to hereditary predisposition, olive oil has been demonstrated to help lower both systolic and diastolic pressure. When compared with refined olive oils, the phenol-rich nature of olive oil is what gives it blood pressure-lowering properties.
4. Combats obesity: As a healthy fat, moderate consumption of olive oil can help combat obesity. According to some studies, olive oil consumption is linked to decreased rates of childhood obesity.
5. Boosts bone health: Because of its high phenol content, olive oil helps prevent bone mass loss. When eaten daily, olive oil increases levels of chemicals and peptides in the body that support bone health. One phenolic component in particular, oleuropein, is thought to aid in the production of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells).
6. Protects against autoimmune diseases: According to studies, fatty acids in olive oil help the body's immune system by controlling the inflammatory response and reducing critical parameters that can lead to autoimmune illnesses. Although the anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil have not been proved to significantly alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, frequent consumption of olive oil may help prevent its early onset.
7. Protects skin from environmental damage: Antioxidant properties of olive oil protect skin cells from environmental damage and inflammation, which can help prevent irritation and redness.
8. Prevents premature aging: Olive oil contains a high concentration of vitamins A, D, K, and E, as well as squalene, which can help reduce oxidative stress on the skin and prevent premature skin aging.
9. Moisturizes skin: Many skin care products, particularly serums and face oils, contain olive oil. Because olive oil is an emollient with occlusive characteristics, it works best when maximum moisture is sealed into the skin. You can use it before or after your moisturizer. However, excessive use may result in clogged pores in some skin types.
10. Promotes wound healing: Triterpenes, which are found in olive oil, aid in the wound healing process, such as cell migration, proliferation, and collagen deposition.
11. Helps dissolve makeup: Olive oil is excellent for dissolving waxy substances such as waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Make sure you wipe the oil completely off the skin because it may clog your pores, and make sure to follow up with a cleanser to fully remove the makeup.

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.”
See Answer

When to skip olive oil

Although olive oil makes a great cooking oil, it has a lower smoke point and should be avoided if you are cooking over high heat. When olive oil is heated to its smoke point, the beneficial chemicals begin to break down and potentially cause harmful ones to increase.

When it comes to using olive oil topically for skin benefits, keep in mind that it may clog your pores if your skin is acne-prone. Oleic acid in olive oil can aggravate dermatitis and should not be used on children.