HEALTH BENEFITS

OLIVE OIL – THE GOOD OIL THAT’S GOOD FOR YOU
 
 
HELPING LOWER CHOLESTEROL
Organic olives at the Olio Bello farmThe good news starts with Cholesterol. Olive oil can help lower bad Cholesterol (LDL) without lowering good Cholesterol (HDL). In summary, it works like this: olive oil is lower in the “Low Density Lipids”, also know as LDL or “bad cholesterol”. It is also higher in “High Density Lipids”, also known as HDL or “good cholesterol”. But it’s not just about the ratio of LDL to HDL. Oxidation is equally critical, because LDL oxidation is a step towards arteriosclerosis, which in turn leads to coronary heart disease. High levels of natural antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil prevent the oxidation of LDL.
 
A VALUABLE SOURCE OF ESSENTIAL VITAMINS
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil provides 8% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. It is also rich in Vitamins K, D and A.
 
WEIGHT CONTROL
Like all other fats and oils, olive oil is high in calories, which could suggest that it would contribute to obesity. However, evidence shows that there is less obesity amongst Mediterranean people, who consume the most olive oil in the world. It has been demonstrated that an olive oil rich diet leads to greater and long lasting weight loss than a low fat diet.
 
BOOSTING IMMUNITY
Olive oil boosts the immune system against external attacks from micro-organisms, bacteria or viruses. The fatty acids in olive oil are good allies in lowering important immunological parameters.
 
BLOOD PRESSURE
It has also been demonstrated that the addition of olive oil to a diet that is not changed in any other way has a lowering effect on blood pressure. Could olive oil be the miracle ingredient we’ve been searching for?
 
YES, EVEN SOME FORMS OF CANCER
Epidemiological studies suggest that olive oil has a protective effect against certain malignant tumours in the breast, prostate, endometrium and digestive tract. Research has revealed that the type rather than the quantity of fat seems to have more implications for cancer incidence. This could be related to oleic acid, which is the predominant mono-unsaturated fatty acid in olive oil.
 
DIABETES
An olive oil rich diet is not only a good alternative in the treatment of diabetes; it may also help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease by preventing insulin resistance and its possible harmful implications by raising HDL cholesterol, lowering triglycerides, and ensuring better blood sugar level control and lower blood pressure.

 
OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS
Olive oil is also good for the stomach, hepatobiliary system, pancreas, and intestines. It helps with anti-aging, osteoporosis, cognitive function and skin damage. Plus, it is beneficial to consume olive oil during pregnancy and whilst breast feeding.