10 extra virgin olive oil benefits you never knew
November 02, 2016
Foodviki
Tweet
Follow
Tweet
Foodviki
TweetFollowTweet
Traditionally boasting low cholesterol, fewer
instances of heart disease and very little obesity, the Mediterranean diet has
always been defined by the liberal use of extra virgin olive oil. The average
Greek consumes 20 litres a year, compared with just 2 litres per person in
Australia, so what other secrets does this nectar of the gods contain?
1. It’s good for your sex life
No wonder the greatest lover in history was
Italian: extra virgin olive oil may even improve your sex life. Casanova must
have had excellent circulation for all those conquests; olive oil boosts
circulation to all areas of the body, including those hard to reach erogenous
zones.
2. Weight loss secret weapon
Twenty litres of extra virgin olive oil every
year and most Mediterraneans still aren’t fat. According to Leandro Ravetti,
Chief Oil Maker of the award-winning Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oils, a
diet rich in extra virgin olive oil may deliver greater and longer lasting weight loss results than a low-fat diet.
3. Diabetes deterrent
Eating extra virgin olive oil as part of a
balanced diet may help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. Ravetti says
extra virgin helps “regulate and balance our insulin levels, so you’re not
really having those spikes.”
4. Pain relief
Extra virgin olive oil contains a substance
called oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory agents, meaning olive oil is
like a natural Ibuprofen. Research increasingly suggests inflammation impacts a
number of chronic diseases, so olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties grow
more compelling all the time.
5. Skin saviour
Extra virgin olive oil helps with
anti-ageing, osteoporosis and skin damage.
“One that’s proven is that it adds a protective coating on the skin, both
through consumption and application,” says Ravetti.
6. Mental agility
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat,
which research suggests helps prevent or slow down the cognitive decline
associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s.
7. It strengthens your immune system
Loaded with antioxidants – vital for
strengthening and protecting your immune system – extra virgin olive oil may
help you become more resistant to infection. This wide range of important
antioxidants isn’t found in other oils.
8. It keeps your body running smoothly
It’s not just vehicles that benefit from a
regular oil change; extra virgin olive oil contributes to the operational
health of such vital areas as the stomach, pancreas and intestines.
9. Pregnancy aid
Not only can olive oil application assist in
avoiding stretch marks, consuming extra virgin olive oil while pregnant may
improve your child’s psychomotor reflexes and more.
10. Longevity
Since extra virgin olive oil assists in the
prevention and/or reduced impact of so many diseases – including certain
cancers – it’s no exaggeration to say it may even help you live longer. Not bad
for something that’s also delicious.
0 comments