Do you think olive oil is just for adding flavor to your diet? Think again. It could be working behind the scenes to boost your health in ways you don’t expect.
Maybe you’ve heard of its heart benefits, but olive oil offers more. Its advantages range from protecting the brain to improve digestion. This golden liquid is full of surprises (good ones). We are going to take a closer look at that.
Sharpens memory and protects against cognitive decline
Polyphenols are plant compounds with antioxidant properties. They are present in extra virgin olive oil. These compounds are known to reduce inflammation in the brain and clear out harmful plaques linked to Alzheimer’s.
Studies show that people who consume olive oil regularly have better cognitive function as they age. Besides memory, it helps with focus, problem-solving, and mental clarity too.
Train your body to burn fat more efficiently
Fats slow you down. It’s a general notion, but not completely true. Some, like monounsaturated fats in olive oil, actually help your body burn fat.
Your metabolism is responsible for how well your body uses stored fat. And olive oil helps in that. It signals your body to use fat for energy instead of storing it. This also helps in weight management in the long run.
Add a little extra virgin olive oil from Italy to your meals for supporting fat-burn and keeping energy levels stable.
Soothes inflammation in the gut. Reduces digestive issues, too
Do you frequently struggle with bloating or acid reflux? Take the help of olive oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the gut lining and reduce irritation.
It also feeds good bacteria in your digestive system. When your gut is healthy, you have better digestion and nutrient absorption, and less bloating.
Taking a spoonful of olive oil in the morning is a good idea to keep your digestion smooth throughout the day. Many people do the same. And yes, they see the positive results.
Strengthens your joints and eases stiffness
Not only seniors deal with joint pain. Athletes, teenagers, and even office workers can also struggle with stiffness in their joints.
Using olive oil in cooking aids in lubricating your joints similarly to how nature intended for it. It further lowers inflammation and improves your range of motion overtime. People suffering from arthritis usually experience less pain after consistently adding olive oil to their diet.
If your knees make noise when you go up the stairs, perhaps it’s time to use olive oil for cooking more often.
Improves mood and reduces anxiety
The gut and brain work as a team. Your diet controls your feelings.
With the use of olive oil, stress-induced inflammation in the brain is lowered which is associated with anxiety and depression. Olive oil also helps in balancing serotonin, the hormone that is linked to happiness and wellbeing.
If you eat healthy fats, you tend to be more emotionally stable. If stress is weighing heavily on your shoulders, adding olive oil to your meals can do wonders.
Supports detoxification at a cellular level
Your body’s liver continuously processes toxins. Other than the liver, extra virgin olive oil also contributes.
Growth of oxidative stress is reduced, which helps cells stay in healthy condition for a longer period of time. For this reason, olive oil is included in many detox diets. Detox diets are based on this reason; having extra virgin olive oil in a detox diet is a great natural way to enhance the internal cleansing process of the body.
Balance hormones for better sleep and energy
Everything from your sleep to food cravings are directly influenced by hormones. Achieving balance in them requires sufficient amounts of the right kind of fats.
Olive oil aids in the regulation of insulin, which keeps blood sugar stable. It also saves you from energy crashes and promotes more consistent focus throughout the day. Furthermore, it supports melatonin production. Melatonin improves sleep quality.
Processed oil is okay, but replacing it with olive oil might give you the boost in energy you’ve been looking for.
Conclusion
Olive oil isn’t just another kitchen staple. It’s a powerhouse for your body and mind. A small daily drizzle unlocks long-term health benefits you never saw coming.
Whether you want to protect your brain, balance your hormones, or improve your digestion, olive oil has something to offer. The next time you reach for cooking oil, make it olive.
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