 The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to its high content of oleic
acid and to its high content of antioxidants. Both of these are beneficial
for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and help to prevent other cardiovascular
diseases.
BAD CHOLESTEROL: The consumption of olive oil instead of
other fats or oils reduces the concentration of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
in the blood without decreasing the levels of HDL, the so called good cholesterol.
TRYGLYCERIDES : It has been shown that olive oil reduces
the level of triglycerides in the blood. A collection of bad cholesterol and
tryglycerides in the blood can block the arteries. In general olive
oil protects against heart diseases
HYPERTENSION: Olive oil reduces blood pressure therefore
it decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Other benefits are:
- It is an excellent source of vitamin E
-It is digested easily and helps liver activity and regulates intestinal
functions.
-In children it helps bone growth and helps the development of the nervous
system..
-It helps to control diabetes as it lower the levels of some fats in their
blood
In countries in which the population fulfilled a typical Mediterranean diet,
such as Spain , Greece and Italy , where virgin olive oil is the principal
source of fat, cancer incidence rates are lower than in Northern European countries.
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