Reduce Free Radicals: Antioxidants And The
Health Benefits Of Olive Oil
James Zeller
Nutrition used to be something like: “eat fresh food and stay
away from potato chips”… now we are told beware of ‘free
radicals’ in the body. Antioxidants are supposed to be good for
you, but how do we encourage one and fight the other?
“If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken
better care of myself.” -- Leon Eldred
We live in an age where we are beginning to see an awareness
developing between eating habits and good health. Several buzz
phrases like low carb, high protein, and Hoodia are mentioned
as a means to gaining a better life while honing a better
physique.
Another phrase that is repeated often is ‘’antioxidants”.
What exactly is an antioxidant and why is it important?
Everyone has what is called ‘free radicals’ that roam
throughout the body. These free radicals have the potential to
attack the body, primarily in the form of cancer. Antioxidants
fight back. A nutrition plan that includes antioxidants can
assist in staving off the potential for acute illness due to
free radicals.
Drinks such as coffee and tea often have a certain amount of
antioxidants, but it is fresh fruit that is especially rich in
antioxidants. Fruit, of course, remains high on the list of
recommended foods by the U.S.D.A., but it may surprise you to
know that extra virgin olive oil as part of a balanced diet can
provide as much antioxidant as a piece of fruit.
The health benefits of olive oil remain a delightful discovery
for many. It’s not often something that adds significant good
taste to a gourmet meal and can also be an extremely healthy
choice.
A diet that is lean in saturated fats (red meat) balanced with
a healthy dose of fatty acids has pointed to a number of health
benefits. Most of the fatty acids that your body may need can be
found in extra virgin olive oil.
The health benefits of olive oil extend to the reduction of LDL
(bad cholesterol) while increasing the amount of HDL (good
cholesterol).
Case Study
The University of Barcelona conducted a controlled study that
followed 16 individuals that were advised to refrain from
certain foods that contained phenols (an antioxidant designed
to attack free radicals). After abstaining for four days the
test group was given extra virgin olive oil to determine if
this alone could increase the levels of phenol in the body.
50ml of olive oil was provided to test subjects while they
refrained from things like butter, nuts, eggs and margarine.
After the first day the total intake of olive oil was cut in
half. One week later, blood samples indicated elevated amounts
of the antioxidants vitamin E and phenols. Oleic acid and
monounsaturated fatty acids were also seen at higher levels -
both acids are indicative of lower LDL (bad cholesterol)
oxidation.
Some researchers believe that the health benefits of olive oil
may still be untapped, and many have indicated regular
ingestion of olive oil may be one of the best kept health
secrets available.
Beyond its antioxidant properties, extra virgin olive oil has
provided significant data to indicate it may also lower blood
pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and aid in the fight
against colon cancer specifically.
Isn’t it time to discover the virtues of olive oil for
yourself?
About The Author: James Zeller writes for culinary and gourmet
gift related websites such as
http://www.cruets.com . Online
gourmet gift shop has oil and vinegar gifts. A selection of
kitchen gifts can be found here.
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