The Healing Powers Of Olive Oil Heartily Amazing

There isn't just one kind of of olive oil. it comes in several different varieties. Olive oil can be used as a flavor booster for salads, pan frying and for healing the body from certain diseases and medical conditions.

About olive oil

40 years ago researchers were amazed when they first stared studying Greek living on the island of Crete. Although their traditional Greek diet is high in fat, people had shocking low rates of heart disease. According to Dimitrios Trichopoulos, MD, professor of epidemiology and cancer prevention at the Harvard school of public health says, "we could follow in their foot steps."

Olive oil is made from crushed olives. When consumed it has great health benefits. It can reduce the risk of heart disease and may reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is concentrated with monounsaturated fat, which is why it is extremely valuable to the heart. Monounsaturated fat keeps the arteries clean and from clogging, which can cause heart attacks and heart problems.

Reducing cholesterol

Olive oil also has disease-fighting compounds that prevent damage to arteries before it starts. All fat, fro butter and margarine to olive oil, contain almost the same amount of fats. But they react differently inside the body, Saturated fats to give an example, which are in meats and dairy products are damaging to the body.

These fats make it hard for the body to digest harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the kind that blocks arteries and increases the risk of heart disease. Two tablespoons of olive oil a day decrease your risk of having heart complications.

Greeks eat very little fat because their diet consists of veggies and legumes. A project called Seven Countries Study, found that while 46 percent of middle-aged American men were due to heart disease, the number in Crete was only 4 percent. This is a healthy fat that we all need in our daily diets.

Protecting from cancers

Olive oil may help prevent many cancers. It can protect cells in the body from oxidation. A study was done in Denmark that proved this containing 182 male subjects. Researchers from Harvard School of Public health in Greece found that women who use olive oil had a 25% lower risks of breast cancer. Compared to those who barely use it.

This healthy oil is best recognize as a protector of the heart. Olive oil is also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals, which our bodies produces that can cause illnesses. Vitamin E is also great for skin and hair.

Lowers chances of Rheumatoid arthritis.  Experts believe, because of a study that was conducted on 145 people with rheumatoid arthritis, that extra-virgin olive oil reduces the risks of  of this disease. Why? Well, olive has anti-inflammatory effects. Another study discovered that the oil was similar to ibuprofen in decreasing inflammation.

Differences of olive oil

Olive oils depending on which brand, can be quite expensive. However because of its benefits the cost is well worth it.

Extra-virgin Oil- is the king of olive oils. It is usually used for flavoring oil and not for cooking. The deeper the color the more intense the flavor is.

Pure-virgin oil- is  paler than extra-virgin, and had a mild flavor. It's used for low-to medium heat frying.

Light oil- is used by people who want the hearty benefits of the oil without the strong olive taste.

Tip: Keep in fridge or cool dark places to prevent staling, which will deteroiate the nutrients. Let it get room temperature after removing it from the refridgerator  before use.