Olive oil has been used for many purposes throughout history. Today, it is used in medicine; pharmaceutical; and personal hygiene products.
The high level of monounsaturated fats (most notably oleic acid) and the various antioxidants present in olive oil make it a must-have superfood.
In fact, the various health benefits of olive oil are also the reason why it has been named the Mediterranean miracle.
Two Types of Olive Oil
The two most common grades are virgin, or VOO, and extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO. Extra virgin olive oil is obtained by first pulverizing then pressing the fruit of olive trees and virgin olive oil is obtained from the secondary press.
Extra virgin olive oil is of the finest quality available. It also retains the highest level of natural minerals and vitamins. Being the purest grade it has the lowest smoke point of all grades and is usually best used on salad or eaten raw.
Take a look at what one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil every day can do for you!
1. Anticarcinogenic EVOO
Extra virgin olive oil has anticarcinogenic properties which have been shown to be effective against several types of cancer. The two forms of carcinoma it was most tested against were those associated with the digestive system and breast cancer.
EVOO contains oleic acid which is believed to incite apoptosis (cell suicide) and impede cell proliferation in cancer cells. It is also rich in phenolic antioxidants, such as terpenoid and squalene, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
2. EVOO & Dementia
One of the causes behind Alzheimer’s disease is an excessive accumulation of β-amyloid within the brain. A team of expert at the University of Louisiana at Monroe discovered that oleocanthal, a compound found in extra virgin olive oil, has the ability to control Aβ levels and greatly enhance its clearance.
In addition, the natural phenols in extra virgin olive oil also helps reduce neuro-inflammation. The phenolic compounds in it have demonstrated oxidation reversing actions.
3. Blood Glucose & EVOO
Extra virgin olive oil shows great promise in reducing diabetes incidence. The Human Nutrition Unit at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili studied the impact of incorporating EVOO into the diet of individuals at risk for cardiovascular disorders. The result was a reduction of diabetes incidence in more than half of the supplemented group of subjects.
The Aarhus University Hospital discovered promising effects of adding extra virgin olive oil into the diets of type 2 diabetic patients. The patients showed reduced averages of blood glucose levels. There was also a measurable reduction in day time systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The subjects’ glucose tolerance was increased as well.
The Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of using a topical olive oil treatment on the foot ulcers of type 2 diabetics. There was a noticeable difference between those treated with topical olive oil and those who only treated with traditional routine wound care. This is another important finding which indicates olive oil has the ability to heal type 2 diabetics inside and out.