Olive oil is made from crushed olives
Olive oil, the superfood has been eat for hundreds of years and has been proven time and time again to have huge benefits for your health.
So, what exactly are they?
Several large studies suggest that the monosaturated fat in olive oil is good for the heart. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have also allowed foods containing olive oil to carry labels that say ‘may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease’.
Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants - it's probably one of the key protective aspects of the so-called Mediterranean diet.
Not only does it have extraordinary health benefits for you, it also has immense uses for the skin too – by both eating it and applying it.
Jeanne Clament, a French lady with the longest document lifespan of 122 years and 164 days was believed to have attributed her longevity and her youthful appearance to the wonders of the superfood, olive oil. She said that she used to pour it on her food and rub it into her skin and care for it.
But it must be emphasised that you need to watch out for the calories.
A tablespoon of oil contains 120 kilocalories, which is the same as a large slice of bread and butter. So when you do use it, which you most certainly should, do so sparingly.
Olive oil lowers bad cholesterol levels and increases the good ones.
A study published in Clincal Cardiology showed that people who used olive oil exclusively were 47 per cent less likely to develop coronary heart disease. The use of it during food preparation offers significant protection against many diseases.
It has its maximum health benefits when consumed in its natural state. Heating olive oil, especially to frying temperatures destroys many of its beneficial compounds.
Studies continually conclude that extra virgin olive oil is one of the best substances you can put in your body if you want to live a long, healthy life.
Drizzle some on your salad today.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Health Super Food