6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Olive Oil

Olive oil is obtained from the fruit of Olea europaea trees, a native to the Mediterranean Sea basin. Countries around the Mediterranean Sea, such as Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Greece and Italy are some of the major producers of olives and olive oil in the world. Olive oil has some variants and many health benefits which are discussed in detail below.

India’s attempt to grow olive in the state of Rajasthan materialised when a pilot project, covering around 182 hectares, began in 2008. Under the project, 1,12,000 saplings of olive were brought from Israel where olives were being grown under similar conditions.

Till 2016, olive oil production in India stood at 11,574 kg with Ganganagar, Bikaner, Hanumangarh and Nagore districts of Rajasthan producing most of the olive oil.

As the demand of home grown Olive oil started growing, so did the are under cultivation. The Government of India is planning to increase the area under cultivation to 5000 hectares and also take the cultivation to other part of India. This is planned in view of increasing demand of olive oil in the country which is currently a net importer of olive oil.

# Prevents Cardiovascular diseases

Olive oil is traditionally believed to be good for heart. The high levels of unsaturated fats composition makes it good for heart. Olive oil is also rich in Vitamin E. Studies have shown that Vitamin E, when consumed in diet along with food rich in antioxidants, is known to reduce accumulation of fat (plaque) on artery walls, a condition called Atherosclerosis. However, the studies also pointed out that Vitamin E failed to make an impact when it was taken as a supplement and not with food.

Another important heart problem is the formation of blood clots which block the heart arteries. It was found that though the Mediterranean people had high cholesterol levels, they did not have as high instances of heart diseases as could be expected.

Further studies pointed out the fact that it was consumption of olive oil which reduced the levels of Blood Coagulation Level VII – one of the proteins that causes blood to clot in the coagulation cascade.

This meant that the olive oil fundamentally inhibits the ability of the blood to form clots. So, it keep the heart healthy in this way.

# Lowers Blood Cholesterol level

One of the major advantages of having olive oil in cooking or other eatables is that it is rich in mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids which are known to decrease the levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) in blood.

Studies have shown that regular intake of olive oil also reduces the total cholesterol levels in blood. By reducing the LDL, it strikes a crucial balance between HDL and LDL, which is responsible for reducing cardiovascular diseases and controlling diabetes.

It shall be noted that reduction in HDL levels (less than 40mg/dl) can also be detrimental to arteries and increase risk of cardiac issues. Therefore, maintaining a balance is of vital importance.

# Protection against various Cancers

Many studies have highlighted the fact that there is a lower prevalence of cancer rates in countries where Mediterranean diet is taken as compared to USA. This has been attributed in part to high incidence of using olive oil, particularly the Virgin and Extra Virgin Olive oils. These two oils, due to their cold temperature processing and not addition of chemicals, retain certain minor compounds which are effective in fight against cancer.

Olive oil was found to be particularly useful in preventing breast, colon and prostate cancer. Presence of oleic acid reduces the ability of oncogene to develop cancerous cells.

Studies conducted in Barcelona in 2003 and 2009 have confirmed that olive oil reduced progression of breast cancer. Polyphenols present in extra virgin oil combat the breast cancer cells of HER-2 type.

In another study on rats conducted by doctors in Barcelona, olive oil, safflower and fish oil were given. After 5 months, the rats given olive oil and fish oil were found to have almost half colon cancer rates than those given safflower oil. It is believed that the effect could be same on humans as well because this oil lowers instance of inflammation in intestines.

Further, in a study conducted on thousands of women in Milan, Italy, it was noticed the women who had maximum olive oil had lowest rates of ovarian cancer (reduced by about 30%).

Similar studies have also shown protection against prostate and skin cancers.

# Reduces Blood Sugar (Diabetes)

American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends substituting saturated fats with unsaturated fats in diet in order to reduce the cholesterol levels. Olive oil fits this suggestion well. It reduces the belly fat and insulin sensitivity. It also decreases the adiponectin, the hormone produced and secreted by fat cells which regulated the sugar and fat metabolism.

# Controls Blood Pressure

Blood pressure can be due to stress or due to atherosclerosis, a condition in which oxidised LDL cholesterol sticks to artery walls. When cholesterol sticks to arteries, there is reduced flow of blood which results in increase in pressure. Oleuropein, a compound present in olive oil, prevents this oxidation and sticking.

In a study conducted by University of Naples to know the effectiveness of olive oil vis-à-vis sunflower oil on blood pressure, it was noticed that those who used olive oil in diet for 4 months showed reduced need of intake of diabetic medicine by as much as 50% whereas no such major reduction was noticed in case of those who took sunflower oil.

# Helps in Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can be controlled by use of olive oil which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This is due to the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids and oleocanthal which is particularly helpful as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.

Another important compound which is believed to be 10000 times more potent than original fatty acids for anti-inflammatory property is omega-3s, which are further converted to resolvins. This was brought out by a study conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Only virgin and extra virgin olive oils are believed to have this compound.