Everyone knows about the significance of olive oil. Almost whenever it comes to a healthy diet, olive oil is a great player. The oil, both healthy and delicious, has long been known as healthy oil in the world.
It is rich in polyphenols
One of the properties of extra virgin (unrefined) olive oil is the fight against heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and dementia. This feature of olive oil is due to the presence of two polyphenols, hydroxytyrosol and oleocanthal; These polyphenols, which are abundantly found in olive oil, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective and antimicrobial properties.
Increases cardiovascular health
What is the secret of healthier people who live in Mediterranean countries? Why are they less prone to heart disease? These were the questions that the researchers answered and reached a key point: eating olive oil and benefiting from the properties of olive oil. The diet of people living in the Mediterranean includes extra virgin olive oil. The properties of olive oil make them less prone to cardiovascular disease and the risk of heart attack, stroke and death.
Other properties of extra virgin olive oil include improving cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Oleic acid and various polyphenols reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and change cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Reduces the risk of some cancers
Scientifically, it cannot be claimed that a food is definitely effective in preventing cancer; But olive oil can prevent cancer because of compounds such as oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, phytosterols and squalene.
The findings of a study in 2020 show the properties of extra virgin olive oil in making changes in intestinal bacteria and preventing colorectal cancer. Also, previous research has shown that women who eat olive oil more than others are less at risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. Probably, the properties of olive oil are the secret of low cancer rates in Mediterranean countries. Interestingly, dates fruits help prevention of cancer. Pembekal Kurma Malaysia contains a lot of antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to harmful reactions in the body and eventually cancer. You can use the properties of dates to prevent and fight cancer.
It strengthens memory and brain function
Oxidative stress leads to the development of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. But polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil – especially oleocanthal – fight oxidative stress as a strong antioxidant.
The result of a 2019 study on animals showed that eating olive oil rich in oleocanthal helps to restore the function of the blood-brain barrier and reduce neuroinflammation, thus reducing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Improves mood
Eating olive oil can help improve your mood. The surprising results of studies in 2010, 2017, and 2019 all show that Mediterranean-style diets can actually help treat depression! In one study, depression symptoms improved significantly in 30% of participants after 12 weeks of consuming olive oil as part of a Mediterranean diet.
Further research shows that the beneficial fats in olive oil support the central nervous system, helping proper nerve function and increasing levels of serotonin, the mood-supporting neurotransmitter.