6 Reasons Why You Should Use Olive Oil on Your Cooking

A lot of people consider oils as unhealthy and gross. But not all oils are gross; in fact, some oils can be good for one’s health. One oil in particular that is useful in cooking and is good for health is olive oil.

You can choose from different olive oil brands in the market and in specialty stores near you. This article will explain what’s in olive oil and why you should include olive oil in your diet. 

 

Why olive oil is good for your health

Experts agree that olive oil, specifically the one that is labeled “extra virgin”, is beneficial to your health. Here are reasons to convince you why olive oil is great for our body and mind. 

 

Olive oil contains antioxidants. 

Aside from fatty acids and other nutrients such as vitamins E and K, olive oil is also packed with antioxidants. This helps fight inflammation and reduce the risk of long-term illnesses. Antioxidants also help lower the risk of contracting heart ailments and lower blood cholesterol. 

 

It contains healthy fats. 

Oil is often associated with bad health and illnesses. On the contrary, olive oil is derived from olive fruit and contains healthy fats. In particular, olive oil contains a large amount of monounsaturated fat also known as oleic acid. It is said that oleic acid helps reduce inflammation and can also help prevent cancer. Olive oils are also heat-resistant, which makes them a healthier choice for food preparation. 

 

It may also help lessen the risk of stroke. 

Stroke is said to be one of the most common causes of death in developed countries. It occurs when there is a disturbance of blood flow to your brain due to bleeding or clotting. However, several studies also reveal that people who include olive oil in their diet have a lower risk of having a stroke. 

 

It won’t cause obesity and weight gain. 

Food is meant to be enjoyed but in moderation. The same goes with fat, as eating excessive amounts of it can be bad for your health and cause weight gain. However, olive oil is proven to increase antioxidant levels and help in weight loss. Still, eating in moderation and having healthy food choices are the keys to avoiding weight gain. 

 

It may also prevent Alzheimer’s disease. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects one’s memory and cognitive skills. A study reveals that an olive oil-rich diet can enhance cognitive and memory function, hence lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

 

It can help treat rheumatoid arthritis. 

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints and causes excruciating pain in those parts of the body. Olive oil can actually help treat this condition because it can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. It can even yield better results when combined with fish oil. Both olive oil and fish oil can reduce joint pain and stiffness, and improve grip strength. 

 

Include olive oil in your diet 

There is the regular olive oil as well as extra virgin olive oil and flavor-infused ones. Extra virgin olive oil in particular is said to be healthier than regular olive oils.

Make sure to read the label carefully so you get the real deal, not ones combined with other refined oils. But if you want to explore other types of olive oils, you can check out your favorite specialty store in Franklin TN.