13 benefits and properties of olive oil

A typical food of the Mediterranean diet that is one of the healthiest in existence.

The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest and most balanced diets in existence.The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest and most balanced diets in existence, and is a set of eating habits typical of the peoples of the Mediterranean basin. It is attributed certain beneficial properties for health and a prominent role in the prevention of different diseases, largely thanks to the contribution of olive oil.

The Mediterranean diet consists of approximately 50 to 55% of calories coming from carbohydrates (mainly complex and rich in fiber), 10 to 12% of proteins and 30 to 35% of fats. This is the importance of olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, which belong to the group of healthy fats.

• If you want to know the differences between good and bad fats, you can read our article: "Types of fats (good and bad) and their functions".

Benefits and nutritional properties of olive oil

Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, has a series of properties and benefits that we show you below.

1. Helps you live longer

Olive oil adds a great taste to many foods, but it also helps to prevent and reduce the also helps to prevent and reduce the development of many diseases.. Studies show that consuming olive oil on a daily basis is essential to prevent certain types of cancer, thus helping you live longer. This food, besides being tasty, is very healthy.

2. Antibacterial properties

Many of the diseases prevented by this food are due to its antibacterial properties.which has been shown to be particularly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can cause ulcers and stomach cancer. In fact, research shows that it is effective against eight strains of this bacterium, three of which are resistant to antibiotics. The same study has shown that 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil can eliminate Helicobacter pylori infection in 10-40% of people in as little as 2 weeks.

3. Improves intestinal health

As you can see in the previous point olive oil improves the health of the stomach and the digestive tractIt acts as a protector by reducing the excess of acids in this part of the body. It also increases the PH of the body because it favors the absorption of calcium and magnesium.

4. Prevents arthritis

Olive oil can help reduce the joint pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis.. These effects are magnified when combined with the intake of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes deformed and painful joints. While the causes are not known, it is believed to be caused by a deficient immune system in which antibodies attack healthy cells by mistake. Studies show that extra virgin oil reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in individuals with this condition.

5. Improves cognitive functions

Polyphenols are bioactive compounds that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and studies have shown that they enhance cognitive functions.and studies have shown that they enhance the birth of new neurons. Olive oil, among many other nutrients, contains polyphenols. Likewise, people who consume more fats have better memory, and those who consume monounsaturated fats have better cognitive functions, metabolic functions and brain development.

Fats also promote the formation of cell membranes and brain tissue.

6. Prevents type II diabetes

This food has a protective effect against diabetesThis food has a protective effect against diabetes, due to its beneficial effects on glycemia and insulin sensitivity. This was confirmed by a study published in the Diabetes Journal that included 418 subjects. According to the results, the group that consumed the Mediterranean diet with olive oil reduced the risk of developing type II diabetes by more than 40%.

7. Improves skin health

Extra virgin olive oil helps contain anti-aging agents, and osteoporosis-fighting nutrients.and nutrients that fight osteoporosis and skin damage. Apparently, olive oil adds a protective layer on the skin, both through consumption and application.

8. Prevents cancer

As I said in the first point, olive oil prevents cancer. The antioxidants found in this type of oil help reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which can cause cancer. caused by free radicals, which is believed to be one of the main causes of cancer.

9. Prevents Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's is the neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of so-called beta-amyloid plaques inside brain cells. A study in mice showed that olive oil could eliminate these plaques from neurons.

10. Helps to lose weight

Consuming healthy fats can be beneficial when it comes to burning calories, as it accelerates the metabolism.. Moreover, experts on this subject, such as Leandro Ravetti, affirm that "a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil can favor weight loss and weight maintenance. In fact, low-fat diets are less effective than those containing healthy fats for this purpose".

11. Improves the immune system

Having a strong immune system is key to good health, as it is necessary to fight viruses or bacteria that could harm our body. The antioxidants in "green gold" help to improve the immune system and, in this way, prevent diseases. and, in this way, prevent diseases.

12. Prevents heart disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world, and olive oil could prevent it. olive oil could prevent them by significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. through numerous mechanisms, e.g., it reduces inflammation, improves the function of the lining of blood vessels and may help prevent unwanted blood clotting.

13. Lowers cholesterol

In addition, olive oil helps to protect the body from bad cholesterol or LDLThe phytosterols it contains increase HDL, which helps balance cholesterol. This leads to a reduction of cardiovascular diseases and arteriosclerosis.