IT CUTS YOUR CANCER RISK
Olive
oil's cancer-preventing powers are lab legends. Which substances get
the credit? Polyphenols, for one -- these potent plant antioxidants
protect against cancer-causing cell damage. But it also looks like the
oil's monounsaturated fat has anti-cancer effects, which means olive
oil packs quite a one-two punch! Some people-proof: Check the lower
rates of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer among Southern Europeans
-- whose diets flow with olive oil -- compared to their northern
neighbors.
IT HELPS YOUR HEART
There's
virtually nothing better than the big "double O" when it comes to your
heart. Olive oil ups good HDL cholesterol, lowers bad LDL, and reduces
other harmful blood fats (triglycerides). And that's not all. It also
reduces inflammation, another contributor to cardiovascular disease.
IT KEEPS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN
Speaking
of your heart, how's your blood pressure? If it's not below 120/80, you
need to get it there. And yes, olive oil plays a role. It can help
enough to reduce the need for daily meds. Those potent polyphenols
appear to dilate arteries, which brings blood pressure down. (Always
choose extra-virgin olive oil, by the way -- its minimal processing
preserves the maximum number of antioxidants and heat-sensitive
vitamins.)
IT HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
"Great
taste, less filling" -- that light beer slogan rings true for olive
oil. While ounce for ounce, all oils have the same calories, olive oil
has a fuller flavor so less is needed for tantalizing taste. Plus
research shows that overweight people who eat a diet with some fat --
including olive oil -- are more likely to shed pounds than those who
slash fat. Why? Oil's rich flavor makes it easier to stick with the
program.
IT EASES YOUR ACHING HEAD
If you're
prone to headaches and wary of overdoing ibuprofen, try routinely
dressing your salad or crisp-tender veggies in extra-virgin olive oil.
It contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that, like ibuprofen,
blocks pain-producing and inflammatory substances -- but without the
risk of stomach upset. While daily oleocanthal doses aren't the
painkiller's complete equal, they could lower your risk for heart
disease, cancer, arthritis and possibly Alzheimer's. Quite a trade-off.
58 Comments
LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
You must sign in to leave a commentcharacter(s) remaining