Take olive oil for all-round wellness

Olive

The world over, people are afraid of taking fatty foods. And the reasons are clear: fats clog the arteries — a leading cause of cardiovascular problems that could be a precursor to other astounding health issues, including stroke.

However, one ‘fat’ that dieticians, cardiologists, physicians and nutritionists alike recommend all the time is the unsaturated fat in extra-virgin olive oil. This oil is a favourite among the Mediterraneans. Indeed, no Mediterranean dish is complete without olive oil in use!

The versatility of olive oil is commendable, in that it could be used to fry or cook foods; it could also be eaten raw (with yam, bread dip, on salads, etc.). On the average, the typical Mediterranean diet consists of much vegetables, fish, grains, red wine, fatty nuts and oils. All these foods, when eaten regularly in healthy quantity, benefit the body immensely, especially because they are never processed.

Again, note that you can’t make unhealthy foods healthy simply by adding extra-virgin olive oil to them. In other words, you can’t combine olive oil with any of the other oils that fill the market and expect to get the benefits of olive oil.

Lowered blood pressure

A study funded by the British Heart Foundation stresses that “eating unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, along with green vegetables and other vegetables, creates a certain kind of fatty acid that lowers blood pressure.”

Scientific researches prove that the fatty acids and antioxidants in this oil have some powerful health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease. One of the reasons for this, researchers say, is that real extra virgin olive oil is 100 per cent natural and very high in antioxidants.

Reduced cardiovascular event

A research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and led by a professor of cardiovascular biochemistry at King’s College, London, Philip Eaton, states that “a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart failure and heart attacks.”

Nutritionists say generally, olive oil boosts the immune system and also helps to protect against viruses; while it has also been found to be effective in fighting against diseases, including cancer, oxidative stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and arthritis.

And because of its low (monounsaturated) fat, experts advise, a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil reduces the risk of Type-2 diabetes by almost 50 percent, compared to a low fat diet.

Diabetologist/Medical Director of Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, Lekki, Dr. Afokoghene Isiavwe, notes that Type-2 diabetes is the most common and preventable form of diabetes.

Improved heart functions

According to a Spanish study published in the journal, Diabetes Care, a diet rich in olive oil or other monounsaturated fats could improve the heart functions, especially among the aged.

Scientists say as we age, all the organs of the body — including the heart — also age. However, researchers counsel, eating a diet that is rich in olive oil can slow down the ageing process and give our heart a lease of life!

A scientific research notes that the polyphenols in this oil are capable of reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the body, as well as the effects of ageing of the red blood cells. “Polyphenols are effective at protecting your red blood cells from oxidation. The phytochemicals in the oil are also effective at killing cancer cells and suppressing cancer genes,” the researchers say.

Vitamins all the way

Olive oil contains Vitamin E and beta-carotenes. Scientists say vitamin E, being an antioxidant, protects body tissue from damage that harms the cells, tissues and organs and which play a role in certain conditions related to ageing.

This vitamin also keeps the immune system strong against viruses and bacteria; while it is also important in the formation of red blood cells and in helping the body to effectively use vitamin K. It helps widen blood vessels and keeps blood from clotting inside them.

Of course, there are many food sources of vitamin E, but regularly eating diets prepared with olive oil will fetch you these benefits effortlessly.

As for the beta carotene in this oil, nutritionists say once it is converted to vitamin A in the body, it gives us healthy skin and protects the mucus membranes, strengthens our immune system and makes for good eye health and clear vision.

So, as you eat a diet prepared with olive oil, you stand to gain all these benefits.

Buyers beware!

However, experts warn that not all oils labelled as olive are truly olive oil. For one, they advise that to get the maximum benefits of olive, go for the one labelled Extra-Virgin and presented in dark bottles.

Scientists say once you read the label and you see something like “Enriched with olive oil,” don’t buy. It is a fraud. It is either olive oil or never.