Olive oil for good health and longevity

The consumption of olive oil has been scientifically proven to be exceptionally good for health and longevity. The anti-ageing and antioxidant properties are well known. The extraordinary long and healthy lives of the people of the Greek Island of Crete, who eat the traditional Cretan Diet which includes large quantities of Cretan olive oil, are renowned.

The Greek Islanders enjoy not only wonderful weather, brilliant beaches, spectacular scenery and abundant fresh foods, but also long and healthy lives. The secret to their good health and longevity has been put down to their love of Cretan olive oil.

Olive Oil Health Benefits

This is a world whose people have been affected by many an unhealthy diet related ailment. If not directly, indirectly, but the affect is there for everybody to see. So, what's to be done? It's difficult to regulate the intake of healthy diet or even cook food that is healthy and tasty. What's more, most of the food requires a bit of oil for the cooking process to bear fruit but oil is not good for your body. However, there is a catch; there are a few oils, whose consumption is actually good for your body. These oils are monounsaturated fats which are much better than the oils that are saturated fats or polyunsaturated fats.

Olive oil has quite a few health benefits. Some of them are given below.

A Healthy Heart

Heart disease weakness increases with increased consumption of saturated fat. They ought to be avoided till the cholesterol levels go down and get to a healthy level. People who love to eat red meat can enjoy nuts and sea-food as a main source of protein.

Unsaturated fats like olive oil can help in protecting the heart. It is also a very good choice for dressing, cooking and also as dipping sauce.

Inhibitor of Cancer

‘Researchers at the University of Ulster have found new evidence of the link between virgin olive oil and healthy living.’ ‘The team of researchers ….. concluded that a mixture of compounds, called phenols, extracted from virgin olive oil could safeguard against colon cancer. Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the Western world – and the second highest cause of cancer death in the US.’ - University of Ulster

Olive Oil lowers your blood pressure

A normal blood pressure should not be below 120/80. And if yours come in this range then do not panic. What is olive oil for? Olive oil has the capability to reduce the need for daily meds. So, always go for extra-virgin olive oil that has the maximum number of antioxidants and heat-sensitive vitamins.

Olive Oil leads to weight loss

You might also be aware of the fact that all the oils have the same calories but olive oil is the only one that helps in weight loss. But why so? The reason is that olive oil has a fuller flavor, so less is needed for tantalizing taste. Also the recent research shows that overweight people going for a much fatty diet -- including olive oil -- are more likely to lose weight than those who slash fat. Now again why? Because the rich flavor of olive oil makes it easier to stick with the program.

- 6 table spoons of Olive is more than enough for weight loss.
- Olive oil with lemon to remove kidney stones from your body.

Olive Oil has always been very popular. However, it's a little expensive and hence people have been averse to adopt it in their regular diet. But, today more and more people are waking up to the realization that if a little bit of expense goes in the improvement of one's health then they have got a good deal in the bargain.