The peppery kick you feel at the back of your throat when tasting a fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is oleocanthal. It is like ibuprofen: it reduces inflammation. Research shows it can decrease the risk of breast cancer.
2. Heart Disease
EVOO lowers Total Blood Cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and possibly raises levels of HDL-cholesterol.
3. Oxidative Stress
EVOO is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E, long thought to minimize cancer risk. EVOO is the highest in monounsaturated fat of all the plant oils. This type doesn’t oxidize in the body. It’s low in polyunsaturated fat, which does oxidize.
4. Blood Pressure
Studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
EVOO, consumed as part of balanced diet, helps lower low-density lipoproteins, improving blood sugar control and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Although high in calories, EVOO has been shown to reduce levels of obesity.
7. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Recent studies have proved that people with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatiod arthritis.
Consuming EVOO improves bone mineralization and calcification, helps to absorb calcium, aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis.