The benefits of olive oil

What are the benefits of olive oil

Olive oil is a liquid fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that give us the various benefits of olive oil. It is extracted from the olive fruit, as the oil is obtained by squeezing whole olives. The composition of olive oil varies according to the olive variety from which it is extracted, the time of harvest, the height of the olive tree, and the extraction process.

Olive oil is composed mainly of oleic acid, with smaller proportions of linoleic acid, palmitic acid and others. There are different types of olive oil such as extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, refined olive oil, olive pomace oil, and unrefined olive oil. Olive oil can be used for cooking and making hundreds of dishes from it, in addition to other uses of olive oil.

There are many benefits of olive oil for the body, skin, and hair. Here are the best benefits of drinking or consuming olive oil by adding it to food.

The benefits of olive oil as an anti-inflammatory

Extra virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation because it contains antioxidants, which have major anti-inflammatory effects. The oleocanthal in olive oil acts as an antioxidant, with a similar effect to ibuprofen. Also, the antioxidants in olive oil can block certain genes and proteins that cause inflammation.

Also, the oleic acid found in olive oil can reduce levels of important inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein. [2]

For more: nutritional facts about olive oil

Benefits of olive oil for the heart

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world. However, heart disease has been shown to be less common in Mediterranean countries; Due to the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, which contains 70% of fatty acids, which lower cholesterol in the blood. Olive oil protects against heart disease in several ways, namely: [1]

Reduces inflammation.

Reduces harmful cholesterol.

Improves the lining of blood vessels.

Helps prevent excessive blood clotting.

It lowers blood pressure, which is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease and premature death.

Benefits of olive oil in preventing cancer

Olive oil contains antioxidants that reduce the oxidative effects of free radicals, which are believed to be the main drivers of cancer. Also, compounds in olive oil can fight cancer cells. However, more research is needed to determine whether olive oil actually reduces the risk of cancer

Benefits of olive oil for weight loss

Consuming olive oil contributes to insulin sensitivity and reduces excess insulin that can make a person gain weight.

Fat consumption also induces a feeling of satiety, helps reduce hunger, and overeating cravings. A diet rich in olive oil and low in carbohydrates helps with weight loss more than a diet low in fat.

In order to take advantage of the benefits of drinking olive oil on an empty stomach for weight loss, it is recommended to eat one to two tablespoons of olive oil in the morning, and some may take it mixed with lemon juice and warm water to benefit from the benefits of olive oil with lemon. [1,2]

For more about the benefits of oil and garlic, read also: Benefits of olive oil with lemon and garlic

Anti-aging benefits of olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil contains antioxidants that contribute to anti-aging and reduce cellular stress; Which helps prevent age-related changes in skin cells.

For more on the benefits of olive oil for the skin: the benefits of olive oil for the face

However, it should be remembered that olive oil should not be used for high-temperature cooking, otherwise it can have the opposite effect, producing compounds that contribute to the multi-system functional decline that occurs with age.

The benefits of olive oil in the prevention of diabetes

Olive oil may positively affect glucose metabolism, have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, and likely reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The fats in olive oil also help stabilize blood sugar levels and regulate insulin. Adding extra virgin olive oil to a meal can help slow the effect on the bloodstream.

Consuming olive oil also helps you feel full after meals, which helps prevent sugar cravings and overeating that can lead to diabetes complications.

The benefits of olive oil for the penis

The most important benefits of olive oil for men and the penis include: [5]

Increased testosterone level.

Increased level of luteinizing hormone.

Increase the size of the testicles.

Improve semen and sperm quality.

Reducing erectile dysfunction problems.

For more: the benefits of olive oil for the penis

Other benefits of olive oil

Other olive oil benefits include:

Constipation can be treated with olive oil. As olive oil improves digestion and facilitates bowel movement. The consistency and texture of olive oil helps stimulate the digestive system, which makes food move smoothly through the colon and thus reduces constipation. Drinking olive oil regularly helps in complete prevention of constipation.

Consuming olive oil in the diet may boost metabolism and help bone development.

Maintaining hair health is one of the most important benefits of olive oil for hair, as it is rich in vitamin E, which helps combat hair loss problems.

Olive oil may prevent strokes in older adults who regularly use olive oil for cooking, as a salad dressing, or with bread.

People whose diets are high in saturated fat may be more likely to develop depression, compared to those whose diets are high in monounsaturated fats such as olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil may protect the liver from oxidative stress, which is cell damage associated with a chemical reaction between free radicals and other molecules in the body.

Consuming more olive oil can help ward off ulcerative colitis.

Oleocanthal (a type of natural phenolic compound found in extra virgin olive oil) helps transport abnormal Alzheimer's proteins from the brain, and helps reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid, which is believed to be the main cause of Alzheimer's disease.

The components of extra virgin olive oil, which are rich in oleic acid and hydroxytyrosol, can protect against acute pancreatitis.

For more: the benefits of olive oil for women

Harmful effects of olive oil

Despite the many benefits of olive oil, consuming it in quantities higher than recommended may result in some side effects, such as: [

Dry and thin hair may be damaged by applying olive oil to it, because in this case it makes the hair feel greasy and heavy, clogs the pores of the head, and weakens the hair follicles, which leads to increased hair loss.

Drinking olive oil on an empty stomach may cause diarrhea if you eat a lot of it, and it also leads to indigestion, bloating, flatulence, and heartburn.

Olive oil is high in calories, as 15 milliliters of it contain 120 calories, and thus can cause an increase in body weight.

Olive oil can cause contact dermatitis in people who are prone to this type of allergy.

Olive oil may be useful in moisturizing the skin, but it may also harbor bacteria and fungi, especially in the folds of the genital skin, which may lead to irritation and infection, which is one of the most harmful olive oil to the male organ, and may cause rashes, blisters and bruises, and itching in the skin. penis