Heath Benefits of Olive Oil
The Mediterranean-style diet, rich in olive oil, has proven valuable to the health of the people of that region for thousands of years. In recent years, this diet's benefits have been scientifically investigated, acknowledged, and promoted for good health, including weight management.
Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, promotes heart health by decreasing "bad" LDL cholesterol without reducing the "good" HDL cholesterol. The invisible healers within this "liquid gold" also work to prevent cancer, inflammation, and may even play a helpful role in diabetes and weight loss.Research indicates that replacing other types of fats with monounsaturated fats, especially olive oil, helps people lose weight without additional food restriction or physical activity (although doing so would further increase weight-loss!). A number of studies showed that when people substituted monounsaturated fat-rich olive oil for saturated fat, they ate less food and either maintained or lost weight. Other studies indicate that monounsaturated fats actually help the body to burn stored fat.
Olive oil is a good source of vitamin E, beta-carotine, and polyphenolic compounds, all of which help fight cancer by reducing free radicals.