Homer the famous Greek poet called olive oil “Liquid Gold.” Considering the phrase “you are what you eat,” what would happen if you consumed “Liquid Gold” daily?
12 Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1. Helps Reduce Type 2 DiabetesA Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 50 percent compared to a low fat diet, according to this Spanish study.
2. Weight Loss
Olive oil makes you feel full. In one study, participants ate low-fat yogurt over a period of three months. The yogurt was enriched with one of four edible fats: lard, butterfat, grapeseed oil and olive oil. “Olive oil had the biggest satiety effect. The olive oil group showed a higher concentration of the satiety hormone serotonin in their blood. … participants also reported that they found the olive oil yogurt very filling.” says Professor Peter Schieberle, Head of theTUM Chair of Food Chemistry and Director of the German Research Center for Food Chemistry.
Olive oil makes you feel full. In one study, participants ate low-fat yogurt over a period of three months. The yogurt was enriched with one of four edible fats: lard, butterfat, grapeseed oil and olive oil. “Olive oil had the biggest satiety effect. The olive oil group showed a higher concentration of the satiety hormone serotonin in their blood. … participants also reported that they found the olive oil yogurt very filling.” says Professor Peter Schieberle, Head of theTUM Chair of Food Chemistry and Director of the German Research Center for Food Chemistry.
3. Good for a Healthy HeartOlive oil slows down aging of the heart. Those who consume olive oil regularly are less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.
4. Helps lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. Twenty-eight outpatients given olive oil supplements once a day for six weeks had a decline in total bad cholesterol to good cholesterol ratios.
5. Helps with Bone HealthPeople who consume olive oil have higher levels of osteocalcin protein which has a protective effect on bone, according to a two-year study.
“Italians … seemed never to die. They eat olive oil all day long … and that’s what does it.” – William Kennedy
6. Reduces Ear Aches Caused by Ear WaxToo much wax in the ears can cause ear aches. Olive oil can help soften and remove ear wax.
7. Lowers Depression
In a study, it was found that those who consumed trans fats regularly had a 48 percent higher risk of developing depression, compared to those who consumed olive oil.
In a study, it was found that those who consumed trans fats regularly had a 48 percent higher risk of developing depression, compared to those who consumed olive oil.
8. Repair Damaged HairOlive oil used as a deep conditioner can soften your hair and help repair damage. Also, eating olive oil helps hair from the inside-out because it is rich in vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, D, E, K and iron.
9. Protects Against Colon Cancer & Ulcerative Colitis
Olive oil can protect against bowel cancer according to research in 28 countries. Also, those with a high consumption of oleic acid (component of olive oil) had a 90 percent lower risk of developing ulcerative colitis compared to those with a low consumption.
10. Nourishes Your SkinOlive oil moisturizes by penetrating deeply into the skin without clogging pores, unlike what many commercial skin moisturizers do. It does this so well that it is often used for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
11. Reduces Skin CancerMelanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, can be slowed down by consumption of olive oil which is rich in antioxidants, a study conducted by Dr. NivaShapira from Tel Aviv found. Dr. Shapira says that consuming olive oil and other Mediterranean foods, could be countering the oxidizing effect of the sun. Interesting fact: only three in every 100,000 residents of countries in the Mediterranean develop any form of skin cancer.
12. Improves Digestion
Olive oil increases the production of peptides, which support healthy digestion.
9. Protects Against Colon Cancer & Ulcerative Colitis
Olive oil can protect against bowel cancer according to research in 28 countries. Also, those with a high consumption of oleic acid (component of olive oil) had a 90 percent lower risk of developing ulcerative colitis compared to those with a low consumption.
10. Nourishes Your SkinOlive oil moisturizes by penetrating deeply into the skin without clogging pores, unlike what many commercial skin moisturizers do. It does this so well that it is often used for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
11. Reduces Skin CancerMelanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, can be slowed down by consumption of olive oil which is rich in antioxidants, a study conducted by Dr. NivaShapira from Tel Aviv found. Dr. Shapira says that consuming olive oil and other Mediterranean foods, could be countering the oxidizing effect of the sun. Interesting fact: only three in every 100,000 residents of countries in the Mediterranean develop any form of skin cancer.
12. Improves Digestion
Olive oil increases the production of peptides, which support healthy digestion.