Olive Oil Heath Benefits
Olive Oil Is Rich in Healthy Monounsaturated Fats. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. This fatty acid is believed to have many beneficial effects and is a healthy choice for cooking.
Olive Oil Contains Large Amounts of Antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, some of which have powerful biological effects.
Olive Oil Has Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Olive oil contains nutrients that fight inflammation. These include oleic acid as well as the antioxidant oleocanthal.
Olive Oil May Help Prevent Strokes. Several large studies demonstrate that people who consume olive oil have a much lower risk of stroke, the second biggest killer in developed countries.
Olive Oil Is Protective Against Heart Disease. Extra virgin olive oil has numerous benefits for heart health. It lowers blood pressure, protects “bad” LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation and improves the function of blood vessels.
Olive Oil Is Not Associated with Weight Gain and Obesity. Consuming olive oil does not appear to increase the likelihood of weight gain. Moderate intake may even aid weight loss.
Olive Oil May Fight Alzheimer’s Disease. Some studies suggest that olive oil may combat Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is needed.
Olive Oil May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Both observational studies and clinical trials suggest that olive oil, combined with a Mediterranean diet, can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
The Antioxidants in Olive Oil Have Anti-Cancer Properties. Preliminary evidence suggests that olive oil may reduce cancer risk, but further studies are needed.
Olive Oil Can Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. Olive oil can help reduce joint pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis. The beneficial effects are greatly increased when combined with fish oil.
Olive Oil Has Antibacterial Properties. Extra virgin olive oil has antibacterial properties and has been found to be particularly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacterium that can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
Make Sure to Get the Right Type. Extra virgin olive oil retains some of the antioxidants and bioactive compounds from olives. For this reason, it’s considered healthier than the more refined variety of olive oil. Even so, there is a lot of fraud on the olive oil market, as many oils that read “extra virgin” on the label have been diluted with other refined oils. Therefore, it is important to buy extra virgin olive oil from a credible source and check for quality certification.
Balsamic Vinegar Health Benefits
It helps lower cholesterol. The antioxidants found in balsamic vinegar target the “scavenger cells” that are toxic to your body and inflate your LDL (unhealthy cholesterol) levels. By consuming balsamic vinegar as a dressing or glaze, you can help your body protect itself against clogged arteries.
It aids in healthy digestion. The main active compound in balsamic vinegar is acetic acid, which contains strains of probiotic bacteria that can enable healthy digestion and improve gut health. The probiotic compounds in acetic acid could be part of the reason some people swear balsamic vinegar makes them feel full. There are also positive immune system benefits to having these healthy bacteria called gut biome.
It supports weight loss. The vinegar family is known for its anti-obesity characteristics, and balsamic vinegar is no exception. As mentioned above, balsamic vinegar contains probiotic compounds that help you feel fuller, longer. Unlike other flavoring agents like butter and mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar is fat-free. Additionally, vinegar (acetic acid) blocks the ability of certain enzymes to create faffy acids in the body.
It’s diabetes-friendly (based on database from National Institute of Health). Balsamic vinegar is an anti-glycemic. In a 2006 review, studies even indicated that after consuming vinegar, people with insulin resistance experience a blood sugar plateau for up to five hours. Using balsamic vinegar as a condiment can make your meals more diabetes-friendly, and help you avoid blood sugar spikes that happen after eating.
It improves blood circulation. Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols, which are under investigation for how they help your cardiovascular system. You might not think about it often, but balsamic vinegar is a fruit product because it’s made from grapes. Grapes have been found to keep your blood platelets from aggregating, which may prevent cardiac diseases.
It may help with hypertension. Balsamic vinegar’s benefits for your cardiovascular system extend to your blood pressure, too. By consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar as a dressing or marinade, you’re not only making your food more delicious — you’re helping your heart health, too.
It can improve your skin. Other types of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, might appeal more as topical acne remedies because the smell of balsamic vinegar is quite pungent. Balsamic vinegar contains both acetic acid and antimicrobial compounds, as well as antioxidants. Consuming balsamic vinegar as part of your regular diet might make your skin look clearer and your complexion brighter.
Source: healthline.com