The Powerful Benefits of Olive Oil: From Heart Health to Hair Care

Olive oil is a delicious and healthy food, what are its most prominent benefits? And what happens to the body when eating it daily? What are the benefits of eating olive oil on an empty stomach?

Ingredients of olive oil

Olive oil is the natural oil extracted from the fruit of the olive tree.

About 14% of olive oil consists of saturated fat, while 11% is polyunsaturated, such as omega-6 and omega-3. 3) fatty.

The predominant fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which makes up 73% of the total oil content.

Studies suggest that oleic acid reduces inflammation and may have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer, according to a report Healthline (Health line).

We emphasize here that olive oil is not a cure for any disease or health condition, and it should not be used as a substitute for medication or a doctor’s review. Ask your doctor if increasing your portion of olive oil may help you in dealing with certain health problems.

What happens to the body when eating olive oil daily?

A 2020 study found that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association.

Researchers in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology also reported that people who eat more than half a tablespoon a day of olive oil have lower rates of premature death from cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other causes compared to people who never or rarely eat olive oil.

What are the benefits of eating olive oil on an empty stomach?

The benefits of eating olive oil on an empty stomach are the same as the benefits of eating it with food.

However, some believe that eating extra virgin olive oil on an empty stomach works to calm the appetite.

Therefore, olive oil may be an aid to weight loss, provided that the total calorie intake is less than what the person burns.

What are the benefits of olive oil?

Antioxidants

Olive oil is full of powerful antioxidants, which are biologically active compounds that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.

Antioxidants also fight inflammation and help protect cholesterol in the blood from oxidation, two benefits that may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Powerful anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation is believed to be a major driver of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and even obesity.

Extra virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation, which may be one of the main reasons for its health benefits.

Olive oil contains oleocanthal, which has been shown to work similarly to ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory drug).

Some scientists estimate that oleocanthal in 3.4 tablespoons (50 ml) of extra virgin olive oil has an effect similar to 10% of an adult dose of ibuprofen.

Research also indicates that oleic acid can reduce levels of important inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP).

Help prevent clots

A stroke occurs because the blood flow to the brain is disturbed, either by a blood clot or bleeding.

The relationship between olive oil and stroke risk has been extensively studied and found A large review of studies In a study of 841,000 people, olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a lower risk of stroke and heart disease.

And in Another review was conducted on 140 A thousand participants, those who took olive oil were less likely to have a stroke than those who did not.

Prevention of heart disease

Olive oil protects against heart disease in several ways. It reduces inflammation, protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, improves the lining of blood vessels, and may help prevent excessive blood clotting.

Olive oil may also help lower blood pressure.

The ability to fight Alzheimer’s

In Alzheimer’s disease, so-called beta-amyloid plaques build up inside brain cells.

One study in rats showed that a substance in olive oil can help remove these plaques.

Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes

Olive oil appears to significantly protect against type 2 diabetes, as several studies have linked this oil to beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.

The antioxidants in olive oil have anti-cancer properties

The antioxidants in olive oil can reduce oxidative damage due to free radicals, which are believed to be a major driver of cancer.

Several laboratory studies (not conducted on humans) show that compounds in olive oil can fight cancer cells.

Antibacterial properties

Olive oil contains many nutrients that can prevent or kill harmful bacteria.

One of these bacteria is Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that lives in the stomach and can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

Test-tube studies showed that extra virgin olive oil fights 8 strains of these bacteria, 3 of which are resistant to antibiotics.

How much olive oil does the body need per day?

Olive oil is good for health, but it is high in calories. A tablespoon of olive oil contains about 120 calories.

In general, it is recommended to eat between one and two tablespoons per day. This amount includes both the olive oil that you drink for health benefits and that you eat with food during the cooking process.

Benefits of olive oil for men

In addition to the previous benefits, a Greek medical study concluded that olive oil is better than Viagra, according to the German website Bild der Frau.

A team of researchers from the University of Athens reached this conclusion after analyzing the data of 660 men with an average age of 67 years, and published the results of the study on the Deutsche Welle website in January 2019.

And the members of the first group of the research sample ate at least 9 tablespoons of olive oil per week, unlike the members of the second group who did not eat it.

The result was that the men who were constantly eating olive oil had significantly fewer problems compared to the other group.

In addition, the testosterone level was significantly higher in the men who were taking the olive oil.

And unlike Viagra, olive oil not only positively affects sexual activity for a short period, but its effect continues in the long term.

Many experiments have also shown that olive oil is good for the heart by slowing the formation of cholesterol in the liver, protecting arteries from dangerous deposits, and reducing the risk of blood clots.

Olive oil also expands the arteries and facilitates blood flow, because erectile dysfunction in men is often related to atherosclerosis.

Benefits of olive oil for hair

The primary chemical component of olive oil is oleic acid Palmitic acid and squalene are all moisturizers.

In fact, many shampoos, conditioners, and pomades contain moisturizing versions.

There is very little scientific evidence to support the popularity of olive oil in hair care, but some research suggests that olive oil may have a significant moisturizing effect.

Olive oil can also add softness and strengthen hair by penetrating the hair shaft and sealing in moisture. The sheen that is said to come from olive oil may be due to the oil working to smooth the outer layer of the hair.

The benefits of olive oil for the stomach

suggested a study in humans Consumption of 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil per day can eliminate H. pylori infection in the stomach in 10-40% of people in less than two weeks.