Health Benefits of EVOO
Over the past few decades, many professionals in the health care and dietary industries have noticed that countries where EVOO is a popular addition to meals have a healthier population. There are many reasons for this, such as increased exercise compared to other countries and lower stress levels, but the addition of EVOO has been proven to be another healthy addition to their daily lives. Scientists began looking into the connection between the people who lived longer and their diet, with EVOO receiving considerable interest.
The number of health benefits of EVOO are still being explored, but it is already linked to a number of health benefits. One of the reasons that EVOO received so much attention was because it serves more as a seasoning or source of flavor. It is used instead of condiments like salt and other less healthy additives. By reducing the number of unhealthy flavorings, EVOO already provides a significant health benefit. However, there are several other significant health benefits from eating EVOO.
A Bit about Fat
There is a common misconception about fats, and that they are always bad, but that idea is simply not true. There are healthy fats that are essential for the body, acting as a way of absorbing several different vitamins. Without these fats, the human body would not function as it should because it could not properly process vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Scientist know that EVOO has plenty of healthy fats, which is one of the reasons that it has gained so much attention. It is one of the few food items on which scientists and researchers can agree that the fats are healthy (compared to nuts and seeds, which have fats that are considered both healthy and excessive).
Heart Benefits
Probably the most notable benefit of EVOO is what it can do for the heart and blood circulation. EVOO is recommended as a low-fat flavoring for people with heart disease and diabetes, but if you use it instead of the less healthy flavorings and seasonings, you can significantly reduce your risks of having either problem. EVOO is popular as part of the Mediterranean diet because it provides a lot of flavor while still being healthy. Scientists believe that EVOO may act as an agent to reduce how quickly a heart ages. By helping the heart stay strong longer, a person’s life span can be increased. Considering the disproportionately large number of people in Greece who live well into their 90s and 100s, it is easy to believe that EVOO helps to keep them younger longer, with the heart being instrumental to that longevity.
A Cancer Preventative
Surprisingly, EVOO has been found to help prevent a person from getting certain types of cancer, particular the common skin cancer. The most dangerous and aggressive type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. Research and studies have shown that increasing the consumption of EVOO can help to reduce the rate at which this particular type of cancer spreads, largely because it is rich in antioxidants. Naturally, the best way to prevent skin cancer is by using sun screen, but unless you remain indoors most of the time, adding EVOO to your food is another great way of helping your skin.
EVOO is also recommended to help protect people against breast cancer. As the most common type of cancer in the western world, one that afflicts many women and a few men every year, having an additional deterrent that makes your food taste better is not something to ignore. The oleic acid and mono-unsaturated fatty acids help to combat breast cancer cells.
Helping the Mind
The process that is used to make EVOO means that it is an entirely natural product, and when eaten in moderation, it can have some very positive effects on the human brain. From helping to reduce the risk that a person will get Alzheimer’s to helping people with depression, EVOO has researchers still trying to understand how it is able to help the human mind. However, it is know that EVOO’s oleocanthal is a likely source for helping to stave off Alzheimer’s and the rapid decline of patients' ability to think.
There are also studies being conducted based on information found in more than 7,000 medical records that show EVOO may also help prevent strokes. This is still in the early stages of research, but given the current data, it appears that EVOO actually reduced the chance that those being studied would have a stroke. Of the more than 7,000 patients being studied, 148 had strokes. Those who often cooked with EVOO or used it as a dressing were at a 41% reduced risk of having a stroke compared to those who ate it less often or not at all.
