The Role of Olive Oil in Our Diet!
Olive oil is a type of fat extracted from the olive tree which is a traditional tree from the Mediterranean basin. It is produced by crushing whole olive fruits before the oil is extracted by either chemical or mechanical procedures.
Olive oil is used in the cosmetics industry, pharmaceuticals and even in the making of soaps besides cooking.
Olive oil exists in a variety of grades depending on processing. For instance, extra virgin olive oil is considered the premium type. It is produced from the first crushing of olive fruits and is extracted through cold- pressing whereby no chemicals are added.
Virgin oil is the second variety, obtained from the second pressing of the fruits and is considered the second-best type. Refined olive oil is obtained from refined virgin olive and it has an acidity level of over 3.3%.
The health benefits of olive oil are wide, a reason why it has been named the Mediterranean miracle. One of its main benefits is that it protects the body against skin, colon and breast cancer. The oil contains phenolic antioxidants, terpenoid and squalene which are all anti- cancer compounds.
The oil also has oleic acid which prevents chronic inflammation besides reducing the damage that free radicals cause to body cells.
Olive oil also reduces incidences of type2 diabetes. This is because the oil has monounsaturated fats like those found in seeds and nuts. These fats are essential in reducing risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
A Spanish study that was published in scientific journal diabetes care indicated that any Mediterranean diet which has olive oil is capable of reducing type II diabetes by over 50%.
The oil may be used to significantly reduce osteoporosis. This is a type of infection which causes reduction in the mass of bones, putting people at a risk of fractures.
A test carried out on rats indicated that olive oil increases amounts of phosphorous, calcium and nitrates in the blood, which results in improved thickness of bones to reduce occurrence of the disease.
Blood pressure can significantly be balanced through intake of sufficient amounts of olive oil. Research indicates that it is essential in reducing both diastolic and systolic blood pressures. It is helpful to people taking a diet rich in high amounts fat, whereby three ounces of the fluid each day significantly lower the blood pressure.
The amount of good and bad cholesterol in the body can be controlled by olive oil. The cholesterol considered as bad to the body is LDL, which can be controlled by olive oil because it contains the monounsaturated fats.
The oil will also increase the amounts of HDL cholesterol, which is considered the best type of cholesterol in the body.
Olive oil has also been said to control depression. A Spanish study revealed that people who take hydrogenated fats which are mainly found in processed food substances had a 48% risk of suffering depression.
In the study, olive oil controlled the risk of cardiovascular attacks, which share a common cause with depression, related to dietary plans hence inclusion of olive oil in the diet can greatly control the two.
So in essence this is an essential type of oil which is recommended for use instead of animal fats such as butter, where possible.
