The benefits of olive oil are endless, it prolongs life, is good for cardiovascular disease and has a natural anti-aging effect. Our nutrition and diet expert explains the benefits of olive oil.
Cooking dishes with olive oil
There are two types of oils that we consume: vegetable and animal. Vegetable oils, now well established for their health benefits, should be the foundation of our diet. Olive oil is a miracle food. Whenever possible, meals should be prepared with olive oil. Because the basis of the Mediterranean diet, which is recommended worldwide as the healthiest diet, is olive oil.
Protects against cardiovascular diseases
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat and consists mostly of oleic acid. Above all, olive oil protects against cardiovascular diseases. Because monounsaturated fatty acids lower the LDL cholesterol in the blood and increase the HDL, which protects our vessels and which we call good cholesterol. Consumption is very beneficial for people who have high blood lipids and are at risk of cardiovascular disease.
A natural anti-aging
Olive oil is a good antioxidant with vitamins A and E and many other phenolic compounds. This strengthens the immune system and makes the body more resistant to diseases. It delays aging by preventing cell damage, ie it is a natural anti-aging agent. Because olive oil is easy to digest, it also has a relaxing and protective effect on the stomach and digestive system. At the same time, it prevents constipation by passing through the intestines and supporting the immunity (immune system) with its antioxidant properties. Remember that whole body immunity begins with gut health. Studies also report that olive oil helps prevent cancer and obesity.
Plant-based health food with olive oil
Since olive oil dishes mostly consist of vegetables, eating olive oil and vegetables means twice as much health for us. Because vegetables, with their fiber, vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances, are an important antioxidant in our diet. Since vegetables are low in calories, their consumption is unlimited. 2-3 servings of vegetables and salad can be consumed daily. The tomato, consumed in dishes with olive oil, is one of the vegetables with the highest lycopene content. When tomatoes are cooked, this amount of lycopene increases with heat. This is how we get lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants that protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease and aging.
Consumption should be increased
The cities in the Aegean region where olive oil is used the most are the places where the elderly population is most represented in our country. It can be said that olive oil is the secret of long life. We are among the leading Mediterranean countries producing olive oil in the world, but per capita consumption is still low compared to other Mediterranean countries. It is beneficial to increase the consumption of olive oil.