Amazing Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest and most balanced that exist and is a set of eating habits typical of the Mediterranean region’s peoples. It is attributed to certain beneficial health properties and a prominent role in the prevention of various diseases, largely thanks to Extra Virgin Olive Oil’s contribution.

The Mediterranean diet consists of approximately 50 to 55% of calories from carbohydrates (mainly complex and rich in fibre), 10 to 12% from protein and 30 to 35% from fat. This is the importance of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, which belong to healthy fats.

Benefits and nutritional properties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Helps you live longer: Extra Virgin Olive oil adds great flavour to many foods, but it also helps prevent and reduce many diseases. Studies show that consuming olive oil daily is essential to avoid certain cancer types, helping you live longer.
2. Prevents cancer: Extra Virgin Olive oil prevents cancer. The antioxidants found in this type of oil help reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals, one of cancer’s primary sources.
3. Prevents Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the accumulation of so-called beta-amyloid plaques within brain cells. A study showed that olive oil could remove these plaques from neurons.
4. Prevents heart diseases: Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world, and Extra Virgin Olive oil could stop it, as it significantly reduces the risk of heart disease through numerous mechanisms, for example, it reduces inflammation, improves the function of the lining of blood vessels and can help prevent unwanted blood clotting.
5. Improves the immune system: Having a robust immune system is key to enjoying good health, as it is necessary to fight viruses or bacteria that could harm our body. The antioxidants in the olive oil help to improve the immune system and, in this way, prevent diseases.