Top 6 health benefits of olive oil

·

By Victoria Loutas.

Olive oil is a fundamental component in any Mediterranean diet. A salad dressing, a dip for bread of a marinate, you name it and us Greeks will put olive oil on it! What you may not know is that Greeks’ favourite oil has many health benefits! Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is considered one of the world’s most healthiest fats. 

1. Rich in Healthy Monounsaturated Fats

Olive Oil is made from the fruit of olive trees and is considered to be the best kind of oil available. Only 14% of the oil extracted from olives is saturated fat, whereas 11% is polyunsaturated, which include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The remaining fatty acid in olive oil is monounsaturated fat called oleic, which is said to reduce inflammation and also improve genes linked to cancer.

2. Contains large amounts of antioxidants

Olive oil has a highly nutritious makeup, as it includes high amounts of vitamins E and K. It is also full of rich antioxidants, which are all biologically active and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

3. Strong anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation is believed to be among the leading drivers of many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and arthritis. The high level of antioxidants and oleic fats within olive oil contribute to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Olive oil can prevent strokes

There has been considerable research undertaken to explore the relationship between olive oil and strokes. Several studies have revealed that people who consume olive oil have a much lower risk of stroke, the second biggest killer in developed countries.

5. Protects against heart disease

Multiple scientific studies have found recently that heart disease is less common in Mediterranean diets, in which olive oil is a key ingredient. Within any meal, olive oil works to release its core health benefits which protect against heart disease. This includes lowering inflammation, improving the lining of blood vessels and preventing excessive blood clotting. Research has also found that olive oil reduces the need for blood pressure medication by 48 percent.

6. Antibacterial properties

Olive oil works to kill off harmful bacteria within the body. The many nutrients within olive oil effectively fights Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that lives in your stomach and can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Studies found that olive oil fights off eight strains of this bacterium, eliminating infection in 10-40 percent of people. 

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Greek city cooks world’s longest kontosouvli for Apokries

During the Apokries festival this year, Amfikleia in central Greece has roasted the world's longest kontosouvli at 130 metres.

Athens set to usher in new year with first ever silent fireworks

Athens will welcome 2025 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a unique musical and theatrical experience.

Mary Patetsos calls for permanent residency to be given to migrant coronavirus frontline workers

Permanent residency should be considered for migrants working on the COVID-19 frontline in essential sectors such as aged care, says Mary Patetsos.