#HealthBytes: 5 benefits of olive oil you never knew about
We've all heard a lot about how fantastic olive oil is for our health. Notably, olive oil, enriched with monounsaturated fatty acids, is an essential part of the Mediterranean diet, and evidently people there are at a considerably lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood-pressure. Here, we list 5 wonderful health benefits of olive oil you never knew about.
Reap the amazing health benefits of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Olive oil is basically the natural oil extracted out of olives, ie. the fatty fruit of the olive tree. The major portion of this oil, about 73% is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which is nothing short of a boon to your health. The oleic acid is known to reduce inflammation and also contains anti-cancer properties.
Olive oil in, strokes risk out
Caused by a disturbed flow of blood to the brain region, either due to clotting or bleeding, strokes have become quite common these days. But if you consume olive oil, put your concerns about strokes aside. Multiple studies have shown that olive oil is the only known monounsaturated fats source that reduces the risk of getting a stroke.
Olive oil comes with amazing anti-inflammatory properties
A number of dreadful diseases, as such diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular problems are caused due to chronic inflammation. But olive oil, with its anti-inflammatory ingredients viz. oleic acid and the antioxidant oleocanthal, helps in fighting inflammation in the first place, thus reducing the risk of these diseases. So, for those who wish to stay healthy in the long run, it is a must.
Olive oil is a storehouse of antioxidants
Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, that are great for fighting a number of diseases. These antioxidants counter inflammation, and are great for preventing the cholestrol in our blood from getting oxidised, ultimately keeping heart diseases risk in check. With such amazing antioxidants value, one cannot simply ignore the nutritious and health goodness olive oil has to offer.
Among other benefits, olive oil won't make you fat
Another amazing health benefit of ditching other food oils in favor of olive oil is that it doesn't make your fat; and obesity-check is in itself the first step in keeping a lot of diseases away. For fat-conscious people, olive-oil is an elixir.