Extra virgin olive oil is quickly becoming the health elixir of choice for health-conscious individuals around the world. According to an international poll conducted in 2019, extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest type of oil with 81% in favor of its health benefits. But why? What is it about extra virgin olive oil that makes it so special?
In this article, we'll unearth five unbeatable reasons to make extra virgin olive oil your new health secret, including lesser-known secrets that most people don't know about. Whether you're using it to cook delicious dishes, dress a salad, or even use it as a moisturizer, extra virgin olive oil is a powerful tool for any health enthusiast looking for a healthier lifestyle.
For starters, extra virgin olive oil is packed with essential nutrients. It contains polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and even fight cancer. It also contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Plus, extra virgin olive oil is loaded with vitamin E and healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help improve brain health, increase metabolism, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
But that's not all. Extra virgin olive oil also has some lesser-known health benefits that are often overlooked. It can help improve digestion, reduce bloating, and improve skin health. It can also help with weight loss and give you an energy boost throughout the day.
But what may just be the best reason to make extra virgin olive oil your new health secret is its versatility! You can use it to cook virtually any dish, dress a salad, or even use it as a moisturizer. The possibilities are endless.
In this article, we'll uncover the five unbeatable reasons to make extra virgin olive oil your new health secret, including its essential nutrients, health benefits, and versatility. So, pour yourself a glass of extra virgin olive oil and let's dig in!
Reason #1: Rich in Phenolic Compounds
Let's dive into reason number one of why you should consider making extra virgin olive oil your new health secret. It's perhaps the most important reason of them all, and that is its rich concentration of phenolic compounds.
So, what exactly are phenolic compounds? Simply put, they are antioxidants that protect the body against inflammation and cellular damage. Phenolic compounds, also known as polyphenols, are found in various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but extra virgin olive oil is one of the richest sources of them all.
Research has shown that extra virgin olive oil contains up to 30 different phenolic compounds, some of which are not found in any other food sources. Why is this important for your health? Because these compounds help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that consuming three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily for four weeks increased phenolic content in the blood by 15%. This is particularly significant when you consider that phenolic compounds have a short half-life in the body, meaning regular consumption is essential to maintain high levels.
But here’s the thing, the phenolic content in olive oil can vary widely depending on harvest time and production methods. As a rule of thumb, earlier harvested olives and cold-pressed methods tend to yield more phenolic content.
If you're looking for even more ways to boost your intake of phenolic compounds, consider pairing your extra virgin olive oil with other phenol-rich foods, such as berries, grapes, and dark chocolate.
Reason #2: Aids in Weight Management
It’s no wonder that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is gaining more and more popularity for health-conscious people around the world. With its incredible taste and multiple health benefits, EVOO is the perfect addition to any healthy lifestyle. The number two unbeatable reason why EVOO is the best option for anyone looking to manage their weight is simple: it works!
Studies have consistently shown that consuming EVOO on a regular basis is linked to weight loss. In fact, one study conducted by Harvard researchers in 2013 found that obese people were able to effectively reduce their body mass index (BMI) just by consuming EVOO daily.
This effectiveness is in stark contrast to other oils, such as canola and vegetable oil, which are not good for weight management. EVOO’s combination of oleic acid and other antioxidants make it one of the best choices to help you manage your weight.
Now here’s another lesser-known secret: consuming a small amount of EVOO before a meal can be especially beneficial in helping to reduce post-meal insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone in the body that helps us break down carbohydrates into usable energy. By consuming EVOO, it helps to regulate this process and ensure that the carbs are broken down more efficiently.
The best part about EVOO is that it doesn’t require a lot of effort to gain the benefits. Just a few tablespoons of EVOO each day can make a big difference in your overall weight management goals. What’s even better is that you don’t have to give up the great tastes you love to get the health benefits you need. EVOO adds a great flavor to almost any dish, so you can still enjoy your favorite meals while still reaping the benefits of improved weight management.
Reason #3: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Help Prevent Chronic Diseases
Are you looking for an easy way to protect your body against chronic diseases? Look no further than extra virgin olive oil! Studies have shown that regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil can help prevent diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. Here’s how it works.
Extra virgin olive oil contains a powerful compound called oleocanthal, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In fact, according to a study published in Nature Communications, the oleocanthal found in extra virgin olive oil is three times more effective in reducing inflammation than ibuprofen. This means consuming just two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil every day could help lower your risk of developing chronic diseases such as arthritis and asthma by providing a natural defense against inflammation.
But this isn't all—extra virgin olive oil also helps regulate blood sugar levels and is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that help reduce cholesterol levels and plaque build-up in arteries, further protecting against cardiovascular disease. And here's the best part: you don't need to consume large amounts of extra virgin olive oil to benefit from its healthful properties. Even small amounts will go a long way in helping you maintain optimal health over the long term.
Here's a great tip: To reap the greatest benefits from its disease-fighting properties, it’s important to select a high-quality extra virgin olive oil that is cold pressed and harvested early in the season when phenolic content is at its highest.
Reason #4: Boosts Brain Functions
Extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its many health benefits, but did you know that it can also boost your brain functions and protect against cognitive decline? Studies have shown that olive oil can improve memory and cognition in older adults, making it a powerful tool for anyone looking to stay sharp and mentally alert.
One study, conducted by the University of Michigan, found that consuming a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil every day could improve brain activity and memory. The research, which included over 200 adults between the ages of 50 and 80, showed that after four years, those who had regularly consumed a tablespoon of olive oil every day had better cognitive functioning than those who had not.
In addition to improving memory, extra virgin olive oil can also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and affects an estimated 5.7 million people in the United States. A study out of Spain found that those who regularly consumed olive oil had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who did not.
But the brain-boosting benefits of olive oil don’t stop there. It can also help improve focus and concentration. A study conducted at the University of California, Davis, found that those who had consumed two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily for six months had better cognitive performance than those who had not.
Finally, olive oil is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help protect the brain from aging and cell damage. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and can even help protect against stroke.
Reason #5: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Promotes Healthy Skin
Are you tired of spending money on expensive skincare products that don't deliver the results you want? Look no further than your kitchen cupboard! Extra virgin olive oil is a natural and affordable way to promote healthy skin. Here's how:
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Firstly, extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, which help protect the skin against free radicals that cause damage and accelerate the aging process. According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, it was found that individuals who consumed extra virgin olive oil had less skin damage from the sun than those who didn't.
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Secondly, the healthy monounsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil can help strengthen and hydrate the skin, reducing dryness and promoting elasticity. This is particularly important as we age, and our skin naturally loses its elasticity.
- Thirdly, applying extra virgin olive oil topically can help reduce the signs of aging and skin damage due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it has been found to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.
But here's the kicker: many skincare products on the market contain extra virgin olive oil as an ingredient, yet they charge a premium price. Why not cut out the middleman and use the real thing? Simply apply a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to your face before bed to reap its full benefits.
Here's a great tip: to enhance its skin-healing effects, try mixing equal parts extra virgin olive oil and honey. Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for ten minutes before rinsing off with warm water, leaving your skin soft, radiant and refreshed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want an unbeatable way to improve your health, look no further than extra virgin olive oil! With its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and more. Plus, extra virgin olive oil is a natural moisturizer that can keep skin looking radiant and youthful.
Here are five unbeatable reasons why you should make this natural powerhouse a part of your healthy lifestyle:
- Helps with Weight Loss
- Contains Powerful Antioxidants
- Helps Prevent Chronic Diseases
- Reduces Risk of Cognitive Decline
- Promotes Healthy Skin
Feeling inspired? Here are some unique tips and tricks to get the most out of your new health secret:
- Choose a high quality cold pressed extra virgin olive oil to get the highest phenolic content.
- Mix equal parts extra virgin olive oil and honey for an at-home skincare facial mask that will leave skin feeling soft and refreshed.
- Add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to your daily diet for maximum protection against chronic diseases.
So don't wait any longer—make extra virgin olive oil a part of your healthy lifestyle today and experience all the incredible benefits it has to offer!