Source: Pexels Olive is a very small fruit, an oval or a round shaped drupe, tastes naturally bitter that you may feel unsavoury. Olive is well known with its dark yellowish-green shiny colour that is represented as an unripe olive. On the other hand, ripening olives can have many different forms of colours such as light green, yellow, purple, brown and even black. Olive oil is a liquid fat obtained from olives which are known Olea Europaea by its botanical name. The word “oil” comes from the Arabic “az-Zait”, which alludes to the juice of olives. Olive oil is the most common vegetable oil but is unlike other vegetable oils. It is extracted from a fruit itself and not by a seed. Back to the history, olive oil was cultivated approximately 6000 years ago. According American-based olive oil retailer, Olive Oil Emporium, the olive tree is among the oldest known cultivated trees in the world, and was grown before the written language was created. Olive oil is very famous in the Mediterranean and is also known as one of the three core food plants in Mediterranean cuisine besides wheat and grapes. Olive oil was discovered to contain high nutrients in terms of its uses. One of the major nutrients is that it has a high level of monounsaturated fatty acid which may build up and maintain cells. Besides, it has high vitamin E nutrient which supports the normal function of the immune system. It is also a good source of vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting and wound healing. Olive oil is also rich with vitamin B and D. However, many people underestimate the benefits of olive oil on the human body system. This is probably because they are unaware about its natural nutrients and its effectiveness in terms of its use. Many researchers have arguments about the nutritional value of olive oil in terms of its nutrients and also the advantages of consuming it in cooking, self-care, beauty or even against diseases. Hence, here I want to share 5 health benefits of olive oil as follows: 1. Good health for brain Source: Freepik A high diet in olive oil may be good for brain health. Did you know, polyphenols that are contained in olive oil are known to be rich with antioxidants that may help to reverse oxidative damage that appears in the aging process? Based on an article written by Paolo DeAndreis, he reported that many of the researchers conducted a study regarding the functional and process of olive oil that reacts towards the human brain system. Researchers have discovered the deeper effects of hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) which may have the purpose of protecting brain function from aging. Besides that, HTyr may even restore the vitality of brain neurons, and also multiply them. It had been experimented by the Italian scientists at the National Research Center (CNR) which they identified the process of HTyr functional in those portions of the brain that generate new neurons throughout life. In addition, Paolo DeAndreis also stated that according to Laura Micheli, one of the CNR researchers, the most efficient intake of HTyr would happen through olive oil consumption. 2. High antioxidants. Antioxidants in the human body system actually may improve physical health by providing stable molecules that can donate electrons to dangerous free radicals. Besides that, antioxidants may also help inhibit the activity of any reactive oxygen species already created. The processes of antioxidants that react on the human body system immediately help to slow down and even stop cellular damage. However, the main source of antioxidants comes from our diet even though the body does produce enzymes that scavenge free radicals. Health Journalist Yvette Brazier wrote that antioxidants contained in olive oil actually enable protection of the body from cellular damage that can lead to any diseases or even worse may develop certain types of cancer caused by oxidative stress if we have too many free radicals in the body system. 3. May protect from depression Source: Pexels Olive oil also may protect someone from having depression. According to Elena Paravantes’ “Olive oil May protect from depression”, a study that was conducted by Spanish researchers discovered that a diet rich in olive oil can protect from mental illness. The researchers also discovered that higher intake of olive oil and polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish and vegetable oil was associated with a lower risk of depression. The nutrients in olive oil such as omega-3 acids and fibre functioned against depression. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory effects reducing the nervous system and could be useful treating depression and anxiety. 4. Keeps the heart young Source: Pexels Multiple researchers have conducted studies to demonstrate health benefits by consuming olive oil. Believe it or not, olive oil may keep the heart young. Nutritionist Nicola Shubrook stated that extra virgin olive oil may contribute to someone having a healthy heart. This is because when someone practices a high diet in olive oil, it may reduce blood pressure and improve healthy cholesterol levels, which may lead to reduced risk of heart disease. In addition, Spanish researchers also discovered that a diet rich in olive oil which contains monounsaturated fats may improve the arterial function of elderly individuals. 5. May enhances beauty Source: Pexels Almost all beauty products in the world are using olive oil as one of the main ingredients due to its many benefits. Apart from being a common Mediterranean diet food, olive oil is also found to have good nutrients such as vitamin E and vitamin K which have good roles in repairing damaged skin cells. Olive oil also has high antioxidants which may keep your skin moisturized. A research by Raghad Kh Rajabi stated that olive oil has the natural ability to stimulate cells and return skin to a smoother and healthier condition. As well as olive oil good for skin, it can also enhance beauty by using it for hair care, nails care, exfoliation etc.
In a nutshell, olive oil provides many health benefits to the human body system. However, extra virgin olive oil actually contains a large amount of nutrients rather than regular olive oil. This is because extra virgin olive oil goes through the least processed form of olive oil. Meaning that, it retains its own natural antioxidants and vitamins which are often lost during processing. Besides that, other than olive oil, there are many other oils that can also be a substitute to olive oil such as evening primrose oil (EPO), avocado oil etc.
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AuthorSiti Maryam binti Mohamad Ismail |