Olive oil is essentially a fruit obtained from the fruit of the olive tree. This tree is native to the Mediterranean region where it is widely used for cooking. Olive oil is also used in cosmetics, medicine and soaps, and while it originated in the Mediterranean, it is now a staple in homes worldwide.
Olive oil has an excellent nutritional profile. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins K and E. It has mono-saturated fats like oleic acid and palmitoleic acid.
Before getting into the benefits, let’s look at the different types of olive oil that you can find:
Virgin Olive Oil- used for cooking with lower acid content
Extra Virgin Olive Oil- this is made by cold pressing the olive fruit
Pure Olive Oil- has a higher acid content
Lampante Oil - this is used as fuel and is not recommended for cooking
Here are a few health benefits that you can expect:
Lowers cholesterol levels
Weight loss
Prevents inflammation
Improves digestion
Delays ageing
Prevents gallstones
Reduce risk of cancer
Lowers hypertension
The downside
While studies show the numerous benefits, it is important to take note that everything has a downside. Before using olive oil or any superfood as your go-to remedy to all things health related, consult with your doctor to understand what dietary needs or changes need to be made for your specific ailment.