Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a staple in Mediterranean diet and has been celebrated both for its enchanting flavours and for its numerous health benefits. Extracted from the precious drupes of the olive tree, this natural oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants and vitamins. Here we are to let you discover some of the scientifically proven benefits of incorporating EVOO into your diet. Researches are also showing how the benefits of other ingredients, such as vegetables and fish, are enhanced by cooking or pairing them with EVOO.
Heart Health
EVOO is known to improve heart health by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and potentially raising “good” HDL cholesterol. Its high content of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, wich helps reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to a lower risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that diets rich in EVOO can reduce blood pressure and improve the functioning of blood vessels, enhancing blood flow and overall cardiovascular health.
Weight Management
Everyone identifies extra virgin olive oil as a fat and as a result people wrongly assume that it makes you gain weight. This is a big misconception, actually incorporating EVOO into your diet can help with weight management. It promotes a feeling of fullness, increases insulin sensitivity and slows glucose absorption during meals. Researches indicates that diets high in EVOO are linked to better body weight control and even weight loss compared to diets low in extra virgin olive oil. However, moderation is the key, as excessive calories intake from any source can lead to weight gain.
Cancer Prevention
EVOO contains powerful antioxidants, such as oleocanthal, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer. These antioxidants can suppress the expression of genes associated with the metastasis of cancerous cells and reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals. While more researches are needed, a large analysis found that high extra virgin olive oil consumption is associated with a significantly lower risk of cancer.
Cognitive Health
Extra virgin olive oil may help preserving brain function and slowing the decline of cognition in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidants in EVOO reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. A 2024 research found that regular consumption of EVOO could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and cognitive impairment, making it a valuable addition to diets aimed at protecting brain health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is a major driver of many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and obesity. EVOO is rich in antioxidants that mediate anti-inflammatory effects. Oleocanthal, for example, works similarly to ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, helping to lower the risk of these chronic conditions.
Stroke Prevention
A stroke, often caused by arteries clogging process that dangerously reduce blood supply to the heart, brain and other organs, is a leading cause of death globally. EVOO has been extensively studied for its potential to reduce stroke risk. A 2014 study involving over 841,000 participants found that extra virgin olive oil was the only monounsaturated fat source linked to a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. Researchers in the same study also found that irregular heart beat which is another risk factor for dangerous blood clots, was reduced by 38% in people who adopted a Mediterranean diet with high antioxidant EVOO.
Type 2 Diabetes Management
EVOO may help being protected against type 2 diabetes. A 2019 study showed that individuals with prediabetes who consumed oleanolic acid-enriched olive oil daily were significantly less likely to develop diabetes. Another analysis in 2017 found that extra virgin olive oil supplementation helped lower blood sugar levels and fasting plasma glucose in people with type 2 diabetes.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease characterized by painful joints, may also benefit from extra virgin olive oil consumption. A 2023 study found that extra virgin olive oil was linked to lower inflammatory markers and reduced disease severity in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The oil helped decrease C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which play a role in inflammation and disease progression.
Conclusion
Extra virgin olive oil is a cocktail of several health benefits, from enhancing heart health and to preventing chronic diseases and supporting cognitive function. Rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, Favola EVOO is a valuable addition to a healthy diet. To reap the benefits, consider incorporating this versatile natural oil into your daily meals and enjoy the profound impacts on your overall well-being.
We suggest you to always look for a premium quality extra virgin olive oil, ask the way the olives are harvested, transformed and stocked because the the way these steps are done are decisive for the final quality of our product, and every year we strive to offer you the best tasting and best in health extra virgin olive oil.
Explore the world of Favola EVOO and transform your health one tablespoon at a time!
Source:
Alkhalifa AE, et al. (2024). Extra-virgin olive oil in Alzheimer’s disease: A comprehensive review of cellular, animal, and clinical studies.
Delarue J. (2022). Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular health: An historical perspective.
George ES, et al. (2019). The effect of high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Jabbarzadeh-Ganjeh B, et al. (2022). The effects of olive oil consumption on blood lipids: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Lozano-Castellón J, et al. (2022). Extra virgin olive oil: A comprehensive review of efforts to ensure its authenticity, traceability, and safety.
Markellos C, et al. (2022). Olive oil intake and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Massaro M, et al. (2020). Effects of olive oil on blood pressure: Epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic evidence.
Richardson LA, et al. (2022). Mediterranean diet and its association with cardiovascular disease risk factors: A scoping review.
Santos-Lozano JM, et al. (2019). Prevention of type 2 diabetes in prediabetic patients by using functional olive oil enriched in oleanolic acid: The PREDIABOLE study, a randomized controlled trial.
Schwingshackl L, et al. (2017). Olive oil in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies and intervention trials.
Zamora Zamora F, et al. (2018). [Olive oil and body weight. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials].
Dr Simon Poole an Judy Ridgway – The olive oil diet (2016)
