Olive oil is the elixir for good health. I recently purchased a bottle of high quality Extra Virgin Olive oil and have been feeling proud of this smart purchase. Why? Because I know that not only does olive oil add a unique flavor to your food but it also responsible for offsetting a number of diseases and ensuring our good health! Here are a few benefits of using olive oil in your cooking.

Olive oil against Cardio Vascular Diseases

The health benefits of olive oil are credited to not only the high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids in this oil but also the high amount of antioxidants. Extra Virgin Olive oil is the best form of olive oil as it is derived from the first pressing of olives carry the highest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids and have great amounts of antioxidants like Vitamin E and phenols. This is one of the reasons why when buying olive oil, you should try and get Extra Virgin Olive oil. Olive Oil also protects the heart against problems as it controls the bad LDL cholesterol level in our body!

Olive Oil as Natural Pain Killers

Good Quality Olive oil contains a particular chemical that acts exactly like painkillers. Supposedly, 50 gm of extra-virgin olive oil is equal to tenth of a dose of ibuprofen!

Olive Oil to control Blood Pressure

Olive oil can definitely work wonders in managing and maintaining optimum systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Olive oil in the fight against Obesity

Have you ever wondered why the Mediterranean people are less prone to obesity or cardiovascular diseases? Wonder no more, the reason is their regular intake of olive oil. Though olive oil is high in calories it has been found that an olive oil rich diet can help in greater and long lasting weight loss. Moderate amounts of olive oil can even help reduce your abdominal fat if one sticks to it as part of a diet high in plant foods!

Olive oil- essential during Pregnancy

In pregnancy, consumption of olive oil can lead to better fetal development and often guarantees healthy children with well developed psychomotor reflexes! The oil also contributes to the growth of the bones and brain of the child inside and outside the womb.

Olive oil helps ease Stomach Disorders

Olive oil's even has chemicals that take up a protective function when comes to ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil is better than drugs in activating naturally the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones. It is also said to lower the incidence of gallstone formation.

Olive oil a weapon against Cancer

Olive oil prevents the process of continuous oxidation, which is one of the prime reasons for the development of skin cancer. Oleic acid found in olive oil, a monounsaturated fatty acid is said to be an effective weapon against cancer. It helps in reducing the effect of oncogene. Oncogene is the gene that will in turn convert a host cell into a cancer cell. Spanish researchers have suggested that including olive oil in your diet may also help colon cancer prevention.

Olive oil to slow down aging process

Olive oil also acts like a natural antioxidant that slows down the aging process. You really have to beleive this when Jeanne Calment who holds the record for the longest confirmed lifespan (121yrs) , attributes her longevity and relatively youthful appearance to olive oil.