The Health and Fitness Benefits of Using Olive Oil
One fact that stands out about the Mediterranean diet is that it is associated with the least heart diseases complications and generally many other health complications that are linked to diet. In trying to uncover the reasons behind this healthy diet it has been ‘discovered’ that indeed much of the success is attributed to the use of olive oil. The word ‘discovered’ has been used in this way because the benefits of olive oil have been known for a very long time. The Mediterranean region and is diets were placed in high regard even by the Roman emperors of ancient times.
The first mainstream discoveries of the benefits of olive oil were made when a research was conducted to establish why the Greeks whose diets were rich in salt and fats were living longer than the Japanese. It was established that the Greeks were less susceptible to various ailments including heart disease, stomach cancer, strokes and many other forms of cancer. The researchers wanted to know how they survived for so long on diets that were primarily inclusive of both salt and olive oil. This research yielded the term ‘Mediterranean diet’.
Olive oil is obtained from the olive fruit. The fruit must be well-ripened while still on the tree. There are various grades of olive oil and these vary in both purity and flavor. Generally speaking though, olive oil has a distinct and unique fruity flavor. The first oil that comes from the cold-pressing of the olive fruit is termed ‘extra virgin oil’. The next best grade after this is termed ‘pure olive oil’. The use of olive oil is very versatile indeed. It is used as a cooking ingredient, it is used as a salad dressing, and it is used alongside numerous other foods. At least this is the case in the Mediterranean area. In North America there are different types of oils and olive oil is fairly rare here.
When we consider fats we know that there are three different types i.e. saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated types. Olive oil falls into the monounsaturated category unlike other cooking oils like corn oil and vegetable oils which are polyunsaturated fats. This fundamental difference is what gives olive oil such immense health benefits. The FDA has realized this and has stepped up the campaign that vouches for the use of the same.
The benefits of olive oil are not restricted to the cardiovascular benefits alone. Research has shown that this oil has properties that lower the risk of getting colon cancer. Olive oil has been credited with being as beneficial as fish oil in this regard.
Olive oil is also very helpful in lowering the cholesterol levels and in addition to the anti-colon cancer and pro-cardiovascular health properties it has also been observed to have weight loss properties. Persons who use olive oil in the Mediterranean diet have been known to have the ability to shed of excess fats from both the lower and upper body as compared to persons on other diets who are prone to losing weight primarily in the lower body.
Dane Fletcher is the world’s most prolific bodybuilding and fitness expert and is currently the executive editor for BodybuildingToday.com. If you are looking for more bodybuilding tips or information on weight training, or supplementation, please visit http://www.BodybuildingToday.com, the bodybuilding and fitness authority site with hundreds of articles available FREE to help you meet your goals.
