Health Benefits of Olive oil

1. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. This fatty acid is believed to have many beneficial effects and is a healthy choice for cooking.

2. Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, some of which have powerful biological effects.

3. Several large studies demonstrate that people who consume olive oil have a much lower risk of stroke, the second biggest killer in developed countries.

4. Extra virgin olive oil has numerous benefits for heart health. It lowers blood pressure, protects “bad” LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation and improves the function of blood vessels.

5. Olive Oil Is not associated with weight gain and obesity.

6. Olive Oil May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk.

7. Olive oil can help reduce joint pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis. The  beneficial effects are greatly increased when combined with fish oil.

8. Preliminary evidence suggests that olive oil may reduce cancer risk, but further studies are needed.

9. Source of Good Cholesterol - Olive oil promotes the flow High-density lipoproteins or HDL which is called the good cholesterol, which scavenges the blood stream of plaque and toxin formation.

 10.  Good  For Digestion- Olive oil can also work wonders for your gastrointestinal tract and colon. Olive oil helps stimulates the digestive system, making food move smoothly through the colon. Rich in mono-saturated fats, olive oil helps in better mobility of food through the colon. This also helps speeding up bowel movement thereby constipation. Mixing a tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice can be an effective remedy for constipation.

11. May Treat Depression- Experts have said that Olive oil can increase the levels of serotonin, the brain chemical that is also called the happiness hormone. Majority of the anti-depressants also steer towards stimulating the production of serotonin.

12. Promotes brain health- The good amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids present in extra virgin olive oil are good for brain and memory power.

13. Pain reliever- Oleocanthal , a compound present in the olive oil, lends olive oil immense anti-inflammatory properties, thereby making olive oil an excellent pain reliever be it externally or internally.