Miracle Elixir: How Olive Oil Transforms Your Health

This golden product hides a whole arsenal of beneficial properties for the body, however, there is an important nuance that must be considered with its regular consumption.

Olive oil is literally overflowing with beneficial fats and compounds with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that work wonders for our body.

Replacing saturated fats, such as coconut oil, with olive oil becomes a real strategic move for strengthening health, reports Verywellhealth.

1. Protects against heart disease

Scientific research shows impressive results: people who consume more than half a tablespoon of olive oil daily reduce their risk of ischemic heart disease by 18% and any heart disease by 14%.

2. May help prevent stroke

Olive oil acts as a real shield against stroke, effectively lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to one review, consuming 1.5-2.2 tablespoons of olive oil daily can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Research confirms: patients who used it as the main source of fat after suffering a stroke showed significant improvements after just three months.

3. May fight Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have discovered that the phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil can counteract Alzheimer's disease by reducing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques.

4. May reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

Scientific reviews link increased olive oil consumption with a significant reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. Other studies have shown that olive oil, especially extra virgin, significantly improves blood sugar control in diabetics. These beneficial effects are attributed to the healthy fats and phenolic compounds contained in olive oil.

5. Helps treat rheumatoid arthritis

Olive oil is under close attention from scientists due to its potential benefits for inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research has demonstrated that increasing the consumption of olive oil and nuts significantly improved markers of inflammation and RA disease activity, with the most impressive results observed in patients with severe RA.

6. Reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a complex of five conditions that significantly increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The diagnosis is made when three or more of the following conditions are present: Large waist circumference; High blood pressure; High blood triglyceride levels; Low levels of "good" cholesterol;

High blood sugar levels.

Lifestyle and dietary changes, such as increasing physical activity, maintaining a moderate weight, and following a diet, are key methods for treating metabolic syndrome.

7. Reduces depression

An impressive study showed that daily consumption of 25 milliliters of olive oil (about 1.7 tablespoons) for 52 days significantly improved the condition of patients with severe depression, although the effect was less pronounced in patients with mild or moderate forms of the disease.

8. May help gut health

Scientific research has confirmed that a Mediterranean diet including 40 grams of olive oil daily (about 2.9 tablespoons) significantly improved the composition of the gut microbiome.

The monounsaturated fats and antioxidants in olive oil have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, which can be a salvation for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Extra virgin olive oil significantly improved markers of inflammation and symptoms, including: bloating; constipation; incomplete bowel emptying; urges to defecate.

Despite all the impressive health benefits, it should be remembered that olive oil is quite caloric - 124 calories per tablespoon. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it in reasonable amounts, as excessive consumption can lead to unwanted weight gain.