Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A few years back I totally cut out most oils. We never deep fry anything as I can not stand the smell and usually use our hot air fryer. The odd baking recipe calls for oil, so I do keep a little on hand. But for the most part, I do all of my cooking with Olive Oil. I find it enhances the taste of the foods I am cooking better.

Extra virgin is the highest quality and most expensive olive oil classification. It should have no defects and a flavor of fresh olives. It must be produced entirely by mechanical means without the use of any solvents, and under temperatures that will not degrade the oil.

Extra virgin olive oil isn’t just for baking or frying. It has many health benefits too. These are just a few of them.

Boosts Heart Health

Diets that include daily use of extra virgin olive oil have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. As a monounsaturated fat, olive oil also improves the function of your arteries when consumed on a regular basis.

Lowers Cholesterol

Eating two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil everyday helps to lower your total cholesterol. Not only does EVOO reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, it’s been shown to improve HDL cholesterol levels as well. This, in turn, typically  results in a healthier cholesterol balance.

Reduces Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is damage to your body caused by harmful atoms (free radicals) that form in the body as a result of exposure to toxins like cigarette smoke or alcohol. Over time, oxidative stress on the body can even lead to a cancer diagnosis.

Since EVOO is high in antioxidants, it helps to protect the body from this type of damage. So, incorporating extra virgin olive oil into your diet everyday could very well help prevent the development of cancerous cells.

Pain Reliever

This oil contains oleocanthal. Oleocanthal contains anti-inflammatory properties. You might say it’s Mother Nature’s version of Ibuprofen. The next time you experience arthritis-related pain (especially in your knee or elbow) rub extra virgin olive oil on the painful area. Chances are, you’ll feel a certain level of relief in no time at all.

Keeps Skin Smooth

Extra virgin olive oil is often used as a beauty product, in an effort to keep skin smooth and healthy. It stimulates skin repair and helps to keep your skin looking its best. It also functions as an excellent moisturizer.

Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Now that you know a bit more about the health-related benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, there’s no better time to start taking advantage of this information. It’s probably more affordable than you think as a little goes a long way and your body will thank you for it!

Comments

  1. It seems I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil most everyday. Thanks so much for making me feel good with such awesome benefits.

  2. These are some seriously nice benefits. I should try to switch around ingredients to include extra virgin olive oil! I happen to like it anyway!

  3. I use extra virgin olive oil all the time. I love the way it tastes, and you’ve already covered all the health benefits.

  4. Oh wow! I’ve always heard that extra virgin olive oil was super healthy, but I never actually knew why.

  5. We use Olive Oil all the time and LOVE it! I knew it was good for you, but had NO idea it was this healthy! It tastes SOOO yummy!

  6. Wow, EVOO has so much benefits that I was not aware of. Sounds like my lunch is giving me even more benefits.

  7. I use olive oil in May of my recipes. I never knew this was good for you as well, that is great!

  8. Virgin Olive Oil is awesome for the skin. It’s also great for hair when you need some heavy conditioning, it moisturizes hair really well, just put a shower cap on for an hour and then rinse it out with warm water.

  9. I did not know about all of these benefits of olive oil. I use it all the time.

  10. Claudia Krusch says

    Extra virgin olive oil has so many great benefits. I will have to pick up some good quality oil this weekend.

  11. I use olive oil all the time and love the taste of it. I had no idea about some of those benefits though.

  12. I really learned something here. I knew olive oil was good for you but I never heard about the idea of using it for pain before. I’ll have to try it.

  13. I had no idea it worked for pain! Here I’ve just been using it for stove top cooking but now I will use it for more!

  14. LOL my ferrets love it

  15. Extra virgin olive oil is the only oil we keep in the house. I didn’t know it was good for all of this.

  16. We opt for olive oil over butter always. Important to watch them arteries, not worth the added health problems later in life. Many uses for olive oil I see. Thanks for sharing

  17. Laurie P says

    We only use extra virgin olive oil here……great info here too!

  18. Donna L. says

    Thanks for the info. I’ll have to use it more often.

  19. cgrandy823 says

    I know that it’s important to have oil in your diet so, even thought we have cut back on oils in our cooking, we try to include healthy oils everyday.

  20. Shirleyp says

    Thanks for the information on olive oil. I use this oil a lot

  21. Elva Roberts says

    Thank you for telling us the benefits of extra virgin oil. I understood that it was a healthy oil but I did not realize all its healthy properties. I know that I will be buying it from now on. Thank you again.

  22. Treen Goodwin says

    I love olive oil , i tend to use it more now than i ever did , its so good for you , thanks for sharing !

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