Five Ways Olive Oil Can Revolutionize Your Health
Posted by Kate on Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
Olive oil is one of those staples I always have on-hand in my kitchen. Whether I use a simple plain one to add to my pasta water or sauté an onion in, or whether I splurge on a fancy flavored one (like my favorite organic Tahitian Lime olive oil) to add a little zing to a homemade vinaigrette, you can always count on me to have a bottle (or two or three) around the house. But olive oil isn’t just great for cooking – it also has some pretty rad health benefits. Here are just a few:
Image source: Carriesexperimentalkitchen.blogspot.com
Fights Cancer
Oleocanthol is a phytonutrient found in olive oil. It mimics the anti-inflammatory effects of ibuprofen which has been shown to reduce the risk and recurrence of breast cancer without the damaging side effects that over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can often wreak on the liver.
Gives You Radiant, Healthy Skin
Olive oil is one of the world’s most ancient beauty secrets. It’s been used for centuries as a skin moisturizer. It works because it is rich in lineolic acid, a compound that prevents water from evaporating and therefore locks in moisture to the skin. You’ll have get glowing skin just by consuming it, but for extra softness, drizzle a little into a hot bath.
Image source: Theenchantedcook.blogspot.com
Eases Snoring
Some people take a shot of alcohol before bed to help them go to sleep, though that’s not really recommended by medical experts. I take a shot of olive oil. Olive oil lubricates the throat muscles, which can cut down snoring (depending on the reasons why you snore, of course). My husband claims it doesn’t really help because I still snore but if I skip a night, I always seem to saw logs even louder.
Makes You Smarter
Regular consumption of olive oil has been shown to lead to increased cognitive function, especially in older adults. A recent large-scale study in France showed that long-term intensive use of olive oil improved both visual memory and verbal fluency. And it’s not just preventative: early tests have indicated that olive oil can actually offset numerous brain-related problems, even in animals whose brain function had been compromised by lack of oxygen.
Image source: Utry.it
Healthy Heart Helper
Just like a clogged filter can restrict oil flow in a car and cause damage to the transmission, blood clots can reduce blood flow to the heart and cause cardiac arrest. But olive oil has been shown to have an effect in preventing the formation of blood clots, reducing that risk. Additionally, olive oil offers protection against cardiovascular issues by controlling LDL cholesterol levels and raising HDL cholesterol levels. So next time you prepare a meal, swap out the butter for some good olive oil. Your mouth will be happy, and so will your heart!
Runka strives to protect our fragile environment by carefully sourcing both practical and exotic products that promote the sustainable lifestyle. Visit Runka and you'll find a vast array of eco-friendly products to enhance your life.
Hi…
[...]can be quite simple that’s why it isn’t actually exactly like[...]…