Benefits of Olive Oil
One of the greatest exponent of monounsaturated fat is olive oil, also known as one of the most important components of the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil is a liquid that preserves the flavor, aroma, vitamins and minerals from the fruit of the olive. Olive oil is also the only vegetable oil that can be consumed directly from the fresh fruit, the result of simple pressure on the olives.
The benefits of olive oil to health due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Some studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL or “bad”, while promoting increased levels of HDL or “good.” No other naturally occurring vegetable oil has such a large amount of elements such as mono-unsaturated oleic acid present in olive oil.
The stomach very well tolerated olive oil, also has preventive properties to protect this body of illness such as ulcers and gastritis.
Olive oil also activates the production of bile and pancreatic substances, making this effect more naturally to that provided by prescription drugs for this purpose. In parallel, reduces the formation of gallstones and some research suggests that gives prevention against colon cancer.
As for the type of olive oil is known that those who consume 25 milliliters, or about 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily for one week virgin show less oxidation of LDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidants, particularly phenols that are in the blood.
While it is true that all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, olive oil extra virgin, the first to be extracted from the olives, shows higher levels of antioxidants, especially vitamin E and phenols, due to its lower processing.
Olive oil is clearly among the most healthy, as it contains fats that contribute to the body’s health. Most people can consume without fear, because it does not exceed the range of omega 6 to omega 3. Most of its fatty acids are actually omega -9, which belong to the group of mono-unsaturated. Thus, there are few excuses left to keep the olive oil out of the daily diet.