Of the many types of the oil you can choose from to ensure a healty lifestyle, olive oil is one of the best options.
The
virtues of olive oil are unqestionable. What makes olive oil so special is its cold-presed extraction. This means that unlike the refined oils,it retains its essential fats, vitamins, antioxidants and essensial components. Besides this, it is high n mono-saturated fat, a highly desirable form of fat, primarily in the form of oleic acid.
Mono-
unsaturated fats protect against cardiovascular disease by reducing bad
cholesterol without lowering HDL( good cholesterol). Epidemiological studies suggest that the high consumption fo the monnounsaturated olive oil in mediterranean countries is related with the low rates of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and high expectancy there.
Mono-unsaturated fats also control blood sugar in diabetics as it helps the body cells use glucose more effeciently.
Mono-unsaturated fatty acid has been found to reduce the risk of formation of gallstones by producing mild and regular evacution of the gall bladder, thereby encouraging flow of the bile and preventing the precipitation of the cholesterol in the gall bladder as gallstones.
An olive oil rich diet in the mediterrainean diet has been associated with reduced risk of high blood pressure. The essential fats( linoleic acid and alpha linoleic acid) in olive oil are in a ratio that helps boost immunity, brain function and delay aging. Olive oil is also rich in fat soluble vitamins including vitamin E, beta carotene-important vitamins and powerful antioxidants. Other desirable components include phytochemicals such as phenols,chlorophyl, pheophytin, squalene and sterols. They provide protection from many disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. These elements help in neutralising free radicals which are associated with cell destruction, cancer and formation fo arterial plaque.
Olive oil is versatile, healty and equally suitable for raw use in salads, as well as for stir frying and regular cooking. However, it is not recommended for deep frying because heart impairs is flavour.
OLive oil comes in a number of varieties, including virgin, light and extra virgin. The difference in olive oils lies mostly in the flavour. Extra virgin oil is low in acid, resulting in a fruity flovour and aroma.
Whichever type of olive oil you prefer, remember they all have something in common, they are all high in total fat and calories, so go easy on the portions.