Why Olive Oil is Good for You!

Here's some information about why olive oil is good for you taken from an article* from RealAge.com.

#1. IT CUTS YOUR CANCER RISK
Olive oil has polyphenols that are potent plant antioxidants to protect against cancer-causing cell damage. The oil's monounsaturated fat has anti-cancer effects as well. As to proof just check the lower rates of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer among Southern Europeans whose diets are rich with olive oil as compared to their northern neighbors.

#2. IT HELPS YOUR HEART
Olive oil ups the good HDL cholesterol and lowers bad LDL, and reduces other harmful blood fats (triglycerides). Also it reduces inflammation which is another contributor to cardiovascular disease.

#3. IT KEEPS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN
If your blood pressure is not below 120/80, you need to get it there. Olive oil can help enough to reduce the need for daily meds. Those potent polyphenols appear to dilate arteries, which brings blood pressure down. You should always choose extra-virgin olive oil because its minimal processing preserves the maximum number of antioxidants and heat-sensitive vitamins.

#4. IT HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
All oils have the same calories but olive oil has a fuller flavor so less is needed for tantalizing taste. Research has shown that overweight people who eat a diet with some fat, including olive oil are more likely to shed pounds than those who slash fat because the oil's rich flavor makes it easier to stick with a program.

#5. IT EASES YOUR ACHING HEAD
If you're prone to headaches try routinely dressing your salad in extra-virgin olive oil. It contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that blocks pain-producing and inflammatory substances but without the risk of stomach upset, like ibuprofen. While daily oleocanthal doses aren't the painkiller's complete equal, they could lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, arthritis and possibly Alzheimer's.

5 Reasons Why Olive Oil is the Ultimate Healthy Fat
Posted Tue, Apr 10, 2007, 3:19 pm PDT
www.RealAge.com