The health benefits of olive oil are in a league of their own. The following claims are scientifically proven.
Olive oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats
- Olive oil is obtained from olives, the fatty fruit of the olive tree. About 24% of the oil is saturated fat and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. But the majority (73%) of the fatty acids in olive oil are monounsaturated fat, oleic acid, which is very healthy.
Oleic acid is believed to reduce inflammation and have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer. The monounsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil can also withstand very high heat, making it a healthy option for cooking.
Olive oil is high in antioxidants
- Extra virgin olive oil is quite high in nutrients. In addition to its beneficial fatty acids, it has small amounts of vitamins E and K. But olive oil is packed with powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants are biologically active and may help fight serious diseases.
This also means antioxidants that prevent inflammation and help prevent the oxidation of blood cholesterol – both key factors in the development of heart disease.
Olive oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties
- Chronic inflammation is considered one of the leading causes of many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even obesity. Olive oil can reduce inflammation, which may be the main reason for its health benefits.
Antioxidants mediate the main anti-inflammatory effects, the most important of which is oleocanthal, which has been shown to work in a similar way to ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug. Some scientists estimate that oleocanthal in 50 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil has the same effectiveness as 10 percent of an adult dose of ibuprofen.
