It is a basic element of the Mediterranean diet and is now considered, after extensive studies of the most basic health food products due to the content of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, etc.
The beneficial properties of olive oil are many.
Olive oil has a beneficial effect on humans and is recommended in various cases.
It contains all the vitamins and provitamins of olive oil, minerals and polyphenols that protect cells from oxidative stress, active oxygen and free radicals.
Olive oil is a natural preservative and a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient. Oleasin is the most potent antioxidant phenolic compound in extra virgin olive oil.
It lowers cholesterol, helps the liver function and is ideal for the diet of those suffering from diabetes and heart disease.
It is gratifying that the world scientific community is increasingly recognizing the nutritional value that Hippocrates discovered thousands of years ago.
Olive oil is essential like all fats for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. There is evidence that it contributes to heart health due to the monounsaturated fats it contains, in the prevention of cancer due to its antioxidant polyphenols slowing down aging due to its content of vitamin E (natural antioxidant) in the balance of metabolism as well as in the proper development of bones and brain in childhood.
It is suitable for diabetics because its consumption leads to stability of blood glucose levels and avoids the activation of the mechanism of neoglycogenesis in the liver.
But olive oil is more than a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids as its phenolic elements have shown anti-inflammatory and chemoprotective properties.
It contains a large percentage of antioxidants as well as sterols that “build” the body’s defenses and shield it against various forms of heart disease.
Consumption of olive oil reduces bad LDL cholesterol and increases good HDL cholesterol.
Tasty suggestions and other uses of olive oil
We suggest consuming it raw.
It is great as a starter in fresh hot bread or rusks and can replace butter at the beginning of a meal.
Olive oil has great stability in frying so it can be used many times without losing its beneficial ingredients.
In other cooking practices, we suggest that you do not put all the olive oil in the recipe from the beginning. Use a little at first and add the rest to the serving to enjoy the taste and its beneficial properties.
Other uses of olive oil:
Olive oil gives shine and health to the hair. Used as a mask for damaged hair.
Research has also shown that it is particularly beneficial for the skin.