In the pursuit of an ideal figure, we sometimes forget that our body needs not only proteins and carbohydrates but also fats. All vegetable oils are considered an excellent source of natural fats, which bring undeniable benefits to humans. But the best of them is olive oil, whose beneficial properties are familiar to people from ancient times. It is popular all over the world and is highly regarded for its healing properties and the ability to prevent many diseases.
Olive Oil – The Liquid Gold
In ancient times, olive trees were considered divine plants. Olive oil was called “liquid gold” and was used not only in cooking but also for the consecration of temples. Even then it was known that the high content of nutrients and fatty acids in it allows you to mitigate the risks of cardiovascular nutrients, gives an anti-inflammatory effect, and helps fight bacteria.
Today, almost everyone knows the benefits of olive oil to the body. Its medicinal properties are due to its unique composition, which includes many vitamins and minerals. Fatty acids are of particular nutritional value, due to which olive oil is considered an indispensable component of diet food.
Composition of Olive Oil
Their content per 100 g of cold-pressed product has the following indicators (in grams):
- Stearic Acid – 2.5
- Linoleic – 12
- Palmitoleic – 1.55
- Oleic – 64.9
- Omega-6 – 12
- Peanut – 0.85
- Palmitic – 12.9
Along with fats, the oil contains vitamins E, K and B4, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and iron. Despite the high-calorie content (898 Kcal per 100 g), it is allowed to add to the diet when losing weight. If once a day there is a salad seasoned with oil, this will not bring any harm to the figure.
Benefits of Olive Oil
So, what is olive oil good for? According to studies, diets with high content significantly reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis, heart disease, and some types of cancer. In addition, phenolic compounds in olives can normalize many physiological parameters of a person – cell and platelet function, plasma lipoproteins.
The use of “liquid gold” has the following effects on our body:
- Removes toxins
- Lowers bad cholesterol
- Promotes increased outflow of bile
- Reduces chronic inflammation
- Dilates blood vessels and helps to normalize blood pressure
- Protects the skin from the negative effects of the external environment, makes it softer and more elastic
- Prevents premature aging
- Reduces the level of stomach acid, thereby improving digestion
- Restores articular cartilage cells
Olive Oil For Losing Weight
Given the high-calorie content of the product, many people often wonder if olive oil is useful for losing weight. Its natural fats are a fundamental factor in the fight against obesity. Thanks to monounsaturated acids, you can quickly get enough and reduce cravings for food, which completely eliminates overeating.
It is known that oil-enriched nutrition leads to a decrease in body weight much faster than a diet low in fat. Drinking olive oil will be beneficial for people with diabetes and those who want to prevent the development of this formidable disease. While carbohydrate foods increase blood glucose levels, monounsaturated fats, in contrast, stabilize sugar and regulate insulin. Taking the product can slow down the penetration of glucose into the circulatory system and reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes.
Is There Any Harm From Olive Oil?
Considering the benefits and harms of olive oil, it is important to note that in some people it causes allergic reactions. Sometimes its use leads to the appearance of dermatitis, difficulty breathing, eczema. In addition, abuse can result in the formation of gallstones, decreased pressure, and sugar levels.
The increased fat content in the product can lead to gastrointestinal upset. If you use it too much, the body will not have time to digest what is eaten, which threatens the appearance of moderate or weak diarrhea.
Basic Rules For Usage of Olive Oil
To avoid possible harm, you need to buy only a quality product and know the basic rules for its use.
- If you are interested in whether it is possible to fry in unrefined olive oil, it is worth considering that to support health it is better to take it raw.
- It is not recommended to heat the product, as it loses its valuable qualities and puts an excessive load on the digestive system.
- When used for cosmetic purposes, it is often undesirable to apply oil to the skin. It is quite heavy, so it can clog pores and contribute to the appearance of acne. With oily skin, it is better to avoid using it altogether, as this can result in redness, rashes, and irritation.
In any case, when applying it, the measure should be followed. Despite the fact that olive oil is very useful for the body, if you abuse it, you can get the opposite effect and harm your health.
