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The healing properties of olives and olive oil pack a powerful punch! Research studies show it may lower heart disease risk by lowering the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-low density lipoprotein) in the blood and leaving the good cholesterol (HDL-high density lipoprotein) intact. It slashes the risk of heart disease because it breaks down the plaque in clogged arteries and reduces the risk of hardened arteries. Olive oil also helps fight other illness such as diabetes, arthritis, breast cancer, constipation, the effects of aging and more according to research studies.
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Research has shown the incidence of heart disease is dramatically lower in Mediterranean countries where olive oil is a dietary staple than areas where consumption of olive oil is less voracious. Science has now determined that olive oil, as a monounsaturated fat, increases HDL or good blood cholesterol. However, it is still important to remember that olive oil is still a fat and should be consumed in limited quantities, in proper ratio to your balanced diet. Spanish researchers suggest that including olive oil in your diet may also offer benefits in terms of colon cancer prevention.
A study published in the January 2005 issue of Annals of Oncology has identified oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil, as having the ability to reduce the affect of an oncogene (a gene that will turn a host cell into a cancer cell). This particular oncogene is associated with the rapid growth of breast cancer tumors. The conclusion of the researchers was that oleic acid when combined with drug therapy encouraged the self-destruction of aggressive, treatment-resistant cancer cells thus destroying the cancer. Olive oil has been positively indicated in studies on prostate and endometrial cancers as well.
Diabetics or those at risk for diabetes are advised to combine a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet with olive oil. Studies show this combination is superior at controlling blood sugar levels compared to a diet that consists entirely of low-fat meals. Adding olive oil is also linked to lower triglyceride levels. Many diabetics live with high triglyceride levels which put them at risk for heart disease.
Extra virgin olive oil is full of vitamin E (a powerful anti-oxidant) which has been shown to reduce gastric acidity.
The emollient effect of extra virgin olive oil protects against ulcers, it aids the passage of food through the intestines, and it reduces the risk of gallstones.
Olive oil is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, and as such is used in preparations for lipophilic drug ingredients. It does have demulcent properties, and mild laxative properties, acting as a stool softener. It is also used at room temperature as an ear wax softener.
Extra virgin olive oil beautifies skin, hair and nails. It is the ancient world's traditional skin softener and basic massage oil.
Here are some olive oil health tips:
Replace butter with olive oil to avoid heart disease.
Cut breast cancer risk by consuming olive oil at two or more meals per day.
Cook your fish in olive oil to help ease arthritis pain. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (mackerel, salmon, tuna) are good for the relief of arthritis because the omega-3 acids fight inflammation, reduce pain, and decrease the number of affected joints. Olive oil fights inflammation, keeps the pain at bay and lubricates swollen joints. Double whammy attack on arthritis!
An olive oil rich diet may lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin needs.
Olive oil is wonderful as a skin moisturizer and you can even make an herbal scented oil (with lavender or rosemary sprigs, etc.)! A little goes a long way and your skin absorbs it, not immediately but a little after you apply it.
Just two tablespoons of olive oil in the morning (on an empty stomach) has a positive effect on chronic constipation. It has a mild laxative effect.
Use Olive Oil in your everyday cooking. It can be used in salads or added in the cooking process of almost any recipe. Olive Oil is the healthiest type of oil with 0% cholesterol, rich in Vitamins against aging and perfect even for frying dishes. Olive oil is the best nutritional gift we can offer to ourselves. Olive oil helps us keep good in health making our life pleasant.
It is important that you use Pure, Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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