In addition to the various healthy fats, vitamins and calories olive oil provides, Shubrook explains that the substance also has the potential to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, improve mood, improve brain function and protect against chronic disease.
Improving heart health
Olive oil is defined as the liquid fat, or natural oil obtained by pressing whole olives. There has been plenty of research conducted that demonstrates its benefits for heart health. This includes its ability to reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, both of which contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease. In addition, a large review of these studies demonstrated how olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of both stroke and heart disease.
Reduce inflammation
Research looking at the role of antioxidants and their anti-inflammatory effect, including oleic acid found in olive oil, has discovered that these play a role in reducing inflammation and the marker for inflammation, known as C-Reactive Protein (CRP).