OLIVE OIL AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS

Among the traditional Portuguese agri-food products, olive oil has a very important role in nutrition. It has always been considered a panacea for its incredible nutritional properties and, for this reason, it represented for centuries the main protagonist of the Mediterranean diet.

Olive oil is mainly used for seasoning salads, flavoring various foods, preserving vegetables and also for frying. The use of olive oil is recommended due to its characteristic properties, such as low acidity, the presence of triglycerides and the richness of monounsaturated fatty acids. It has beneficial properties thanks to the presence of polyphenols, natural antioxidants that make Extra Virgin Olive Oil unique – it is considered the healthiest fat, being 100% natural.
The flavor and lightness of olive oil characterize Mediterranean cuisine all over the world and, therefore, wherever they are, the Portuguese are always looking for this unique and inimitable touch.

CANCER

The phytonutrient in olive oil, oleocanthal, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, which may lower the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. Squalene and lignans are among the other components of olive oil that  are being studied for their possible effects on cancer.

HEART DISEASES

Olive oil reduces the levels of total blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. At the same time, it does not alter HDL-cholesterol levels (and may even increase them), which plays a protective role and prevents the formation of fatty spots, thus stimulating the elimination of low-density lipoproteins.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

DIABETES

A diet high in olive oil, low in saturated fat, moderately high in carbohydrates and soluble fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains has been shown to be the most effective approach for diabetics. Helps reduce low-density lipoproteins, improving blood sugar control and increases insulin sensitivity.

OBESITY

Although high in calories, olive oil has been shown to help reduce obesity levels.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

While the reasons are still not entirely clear, recent studies have proven that people on diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis

OSTEOPOROSIS

A high consumption of olive oil appears to improve bone mineralization and calcification. Olive oil helps calcium absorption and therefore plays an important role in helping patients and preventing the onset of osteoporosis.

DEPRESSION

According to Spanish researchers from the University of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a diet rich in olive oil can protect against mental illness. Researchers recently found that a higher intake of olive oil and polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish and vegetable oils was associated with a lower risk of depression. The results suggest that cardiovascular disease and depression may share some common diet-related mechanisms.