Olive oil has been known to treat more than 60 health conditions. Recently, scientists have discovered that extra virgin olive oil contains a high level of phenolic compounds responsible for healing powers.
Here are some benefits of utilizing this superfood daily.
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Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is the root cause of all health problems, and the usual response to treating them is to use too much force and often in the wrong places. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can cause heart disease, stroke, joint pains, and gastrointestinal disease.
The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oils are known to prevent and reverse inflammation effects. Oleocanthal behaves like a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a natural NSAID that blocks a key component of inflammatory response. The easiest way is to consume 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily.
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Anti-Cancer
Oleocanthal phenolic compounds have been found to kill cancer cells within 30 mantes during research in NYC. Though they are still in the experimental stage, taking a tablespoon of olive oil a day will cause no harm but may help induce death in cancer cells, make things better for cancer patients, and protect healthy people from getting cancer.
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Cardiovascular Health
Olive oil is considered “heart-healthy,” and there are reasons for it. When taken 2 tablespoons of olive oil a day either as a cooking medium for food or directly, it has shown to
- Reduce inflammation in heart vessels
- Reduce Bad cholesterol in the blood
- Decrease blood pressure
Extra virgin olive oil has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve blood vessel functions. It is a powerful antioxidant and protects healthy tissues by eliminating dangerous free radicals.
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Anti-Obesity
Depending on the size of a tablespoon, calories in olive oil 1 tbsp will have calories ranging from 40 to 119. One of the biggest risk factors for diabetes, joint damage, and heart disease is obesity. Extra virgin olive oils are known to treat and prevent obesity in humans, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil calories provide monosaturated fats for body needs.
The phenolic compound in olive oil influences genes related to obesity. These compounds reduce the fat cell size and slow their production, ensuring the body stores less fat and decreasing obesity.
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Joint Conditions
Inflammations cause chronic joint pains, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease, and they are painful. There is no curative treatment for this disease, only symptom management.
Since olive oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, they are helpful in such conditions. Research has shown that daily 1 tbsp of olive oil reduces joint inflammation, reduces pain, and increases mobility.
Takeaway
The question arises as to how much olive oil per day one should consume? As a thumb rule, 1 tbsp olive oil to 2 tablespoons a day is good enough to consume.
