What is olive oil?
Olive oil is a liquid fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that give us the various benefits of olive oil, and it is extracted from the olive fruit, where the oil is obtained by squeezing whole olives. The composition of olive oil varies depending on the olive variety from which it is extracted, the harvest time, the height of the olive tree, and the extraction process.
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Olive oil consists mainly of oleic acid, with lower proportions of linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and others. There are different types of olive oil such as extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, refined olive oil, olive pomace oil, and unfiltered olive oil. Olive oil can be used for cooking and making hundreds of dishes from it, in addition to other uses of olive oil.
Health benefits of olive oil
There are many benefits of olive oil for the body, skin, and hair. Here are the best benefits of drinking olive oil or consuming it by adding it to food.
1-As an anti-inflammatory
Virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation due to the fact that it contains antioxidants that possess the main anti-inflammatory effects. The oleocanthal contained in olive oil acts as an antioxidant, which has an effect similar to ibuprofen. Also, the antioxidants in olive oil can block certain genes and proteins that cause inflammation.
Also, oleic acid, which is contained in olive oil, can reduce the levels of important markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein
2-olive oil for the heart health
Heart disease is considered the most common cause of death in the world. However, it has been found that heart disease is less common in Mediterranean countries due to the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, which contains 70% of fatty acids that lower cholesterol in the blood. Olive oil protects against heart disease in several ways, namely:
Reduces inflammation.
Reduces harmful cholesterol.
enhances the blood vessel endothelium.
reduces the likelihood of excessive blood clotting.
It lowers blood pressure, the rise of which is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease and premature death.
3-the benefits of olive oil in cancer prevention
Olive oil contains antioxidants that reduce the oxidative effects of free radicals, which are believed to be the main driver of cancer. Also, the compounds contained in olive oil can fight cancer cells. However, more research is needed to determine whether olive oil actually reduces the risk of cancer
4-olive oil for weight loss
The consumption of olive oil contributes to insulin sensitivity and reduces excess insulin that can make a person gain weight.
Fat consumption also induces a feeling of satiety and helps reduce hunger, and cravings for overeating. A diet rich in olive oil and low in carbohydrates helps to lose weight more than a low-fat diet.
To take advantage of the benefits of drinking olive oil on an empty stomach for slimming, it is recommended to take one to two tablespoons of olive oil in the morning, and some may take it mixed with lemon juice and warm water to take advantage of the benefits of olive oil with lemon.
5- Olive oil is anti-aging
Extra virgin olive oil contains antioxidants that contribute to anti-aging and reduce cellular stress; which helps prevent age-related changes in skin cells.
However, it should be remembered that olive oil should not be used for cooking at a high temperature, otherwise it may have the opposite effect, producing compounds that contribute to the multisystem functional deterioration that occurs with age.
6. olive oil in the Prevention of diabetes
Olive oil may positively affect glucose metabolism, have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, and most likely reduce the risk of developing Type II diabetes mellitus.
The fats contained in olive oil also help stabilize blood sugar levels and regulate insulin. And adding extra virgin olive oil to the meal can help slow down the effect on the bloodstream.
The consumption of olive oil also helps to feel full after meals, which helps prevent sugar cravings and overeating that can lead to complications of diabetes
7-the benefits of olive oil for the penis
The most important benefits of olive oil for men and the male organ include:
Increased testosterone level.
Increased level of luteinizing hormone of the yellow body
Increase the size of the testicles.
Improve the quality of sperm.
Minimizing erectile dysfunction problems.
Other benefits of olive oil
Enable the treatment of constipation with olive oil, as olive oil improves digestion and facilitates bowel movements. The texture and texture of olive oil help stimulate the digestive system, which makes food move smoothly through the colon and thus reduces constipation, and drinking olive oil regularly helps in the complete prevention of constipation.
Consumption of olive oil in the diet may boost metabolism and help bone growth.
Maintaining hair health is one of the most important benefits of olive oil for hair, as it is rich in vitamin E, which helps fight hair loss problems.
Olive oil may prevent strokes in the elderly who regularly use olive oil for cooking, salad dressing, or with bread.
People whose diets are high in saturated fat may have a higher risk of depression, compared to those whose diets are high in monounsaturated fats such as olive oil.
Extra virgin olive oil may protect the liver from oxidative stress, which leads to cell damage associated with the chemical reaction between free radicals and other molecules in the body.
Consuming more olive oil can help ward off ulcerative colitis.
Oleocanthal (a type of natural phenolic compound found in extra virgin olive oil) helps in the transport of abnormal Alzheimer's disease proteins from the brain and helps reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid, which is believed to be the main cause of Alzheimer's disease.
The components of extra virgin olive oil, rich in oleic acid and hydroxy aerosol, can protect against acute pancreatitis.
Notes
Despite the multiple benefits of olive oil, consuming it in amounts higher than recommended may produce some side effects, such as
Dry and thin hair may be harmed by applying olive oil to them, because in this case it makes the hair texture oily and heavy, clogs the pores of the head, and weakens the hair follicles, their loss increases.
Drinking olive oil on an empty stomach may cause diarrhea if you eat too much of it, and it also leads to indigestion, bloating abdominal gas, and heartburn.
Olive oil is considered high-calorie, as 15 milliliters of it contains 120 kilocalories, and therefore it can cause an increase in body weight.
Olive oil can cause contact dermatitis in people prone to this type of allergy.
Olive oil may be useful in moisturizing the skin, but it may also harbor bacteria and fungi, especially in the folds of the genital skin, which may lead to irritation and infection, which is one of the most harmful olive oil for the penis, and may cause rashes, pustules, bruises, and itching in the penis.