Amazing Benefits of Olive Oil (Be Aware of Fake Olive Oil)
Olive Oil is considered a superfood source
It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. The key fatty acid in olive oil is oleic acid. This fatty acid has been found to be responsible for lowering inflammation.
Research suggests that oleic acid can reduce levels of important inflammatory blood markers like high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Interleukin-6. Inflammation is at the heart of virtually every chronic disease. So reducing inflammation is a really good thing.
There is also a reduced stroke events associated with consumption of olive oil.
Thirty-two cohort studies (42 reports) including 841,211 subjects found that olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
Now some cardiovascular benefits!
Olive oil intake has also been shown to lower blood pressure. In one study, olive oil reduced the need for blood pressure medication by 48%.
Study found that a single dose of high polyphenol olive oil increased endothelial function (cells lining the interior of blood vessels), decreased bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidation and moderated blood glucose.
Diabetes Benefits
Several studies have found that olive oil olive oil, combined with a Mediterranean diet, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity.
Olive Oil and Helicobacter Pylori
A study in humans suggested that 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil, taken daily, can eliminate Helicobacter pylori infection in 10–40% of people in as little as two weeks.
The results of lab studies showed olive oil’s phenolic compounds were effective against eight strains of H. pylori, including three that are resistant to some antibiotics.
Now before you go sucking down tablespoonfuls of olive oil you should know that you first need to get your omega 3-6-9 ratios in check. The fatty acid ratio in your body is most important. Our bodies and cells need the proper composition of essential fatty acids to produce healthy cells and hormones. We can measure this ratio by getting a Pure Health fatty acid profile blood test. The other important factor is to first clean up your diet with consuming less processed oils before adding in more oils(fatty acids) even if it is healthy olive oil.
Choose Your Olive Oil Wisely
Turns out many companies that make extra virgin olive oil dilute their product with cheaper, lower grade oils like canola, safflower or sunflower oils.
Brands that passed the University of California test were: Bariani, California Olive Oil, Kirkland Organic, Lucero, Lucini, McEvoy Ranch Organic, Olea Estates Ottavio. Look for the approval California Olive Oil Council (COOC Certified Extra Virgin).
If in doubt you can test for fake olive oils yourself. Simply refrigerate the oil. It should become more solid as it gets colder. If you oil doesn’t become thick and cloudy in the refrigerator you know it’s probably fake or lower grade oil.
In addition you can look for the seal denoting approval by the California Olive Oil Council, labeled as “COOC Certified Extra Virgin”
Seals of approval from the Italian Olive Grower’ Association, the Extra Virgin Alliance (EVA) and UNAPROL also signal a good pure product.
Advice: stick with high quality brands that passed the University of California test of that have earned a seal of approval from one of the organizations we just mentioned and clean up your fatty acid diet first. Pure Health Medical can help you get started with a free consultation can to learn more at 614-839-1044.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23278117/
https://www.nature.com/articles/1602724
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586551/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25274026/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8517637/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13129466/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15447913/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15380903/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10737284/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19531025/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22759331/
Special thanks go out to http://www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com/ for contributing to this article!
Contact Pure Health Medical about Olive Oil Benefits Today
At Pure Health Medical, our experienced functional medicine doctor can help you find out what is affecting your well-being and get you feeling healthier and more energetic faster.
Check out our Functional Medicine page to see if any of these conditions relate to your issues.
If you feel extremely fatigued, have stomach and gut problems, or have other health issues, call us now at 614-839-1044 to schedule an appointment with our functional medicine specialist, Dr. Matthew Marcotte.