A Delicious Companion To Good Health: The Olive Oil Story
James Zeller
The health benefits of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet has
become more than a novel observation. Clinical research is
substantiating healthy benefits, but the gourmet tastes and
flavors are bonuses well worth mentioning too.
“The… patient should be made to understand that he or she must
take charge of his own life. Don’t take your body to the doctor
as if he were a repair shop.” -- Quentin Regestein
Highly favored as a cooking oil, or for use in a variety of
classic dressings, olive oil is being touted in some quarters
as a delicious companion to good health. Research on the health
benefits of olive oil is impressive, so is the affects of the
Mediterranean diet.
Recent Findings
Olive Oil as a Cholesterol Reducer
Compared to American cuisine, especially the snack and fast
foods prevalent in the US, the Mediterranean Diet has intrigued
the medical world. The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
has published findings that indicate the introduction of olive
oil into our regular diet has demonstrated a reduction in LDL
cholesterol (bad cholesterol). This is significant because once
LDL cholesterol has oxidized it often results in artery rigidity
and accompanying heart disease.
Olive Oil in Cancer Prevention
In a comparison study at the University Hospital Germans Trias
Pujol in Barcelona there seems to be an indication that the
health benefits of olive oil may also be useful in the
prevention or slowing of cancer cells. In the study, lab rats
were introduced to a carcinogen that resulted in cancerous
tumors. The study provides evidence that a diet similar to the
Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil prevents colonic
carcinogenesis reducing precancerous tissue which resulted in
fewer tumors when compared to a controlled sample of rats
ingesting foods containing other types of cooking oils.
Researchers at Oxford University in England have seen
indications that olive oil may actually be as good for our
digestive system as fresh fruit and vegetables in preventing or
reducing the incidence of colon cancer. While red meat seems to
be linked to the development of colon cancer, fish and olive
oil seemed to reduce the incidence of colon cancer. The reasons
behind this phenomena are still being considered, but it is
believed that the olive oil may help regulate the bile acid in
the stomach while increasing useful enzymes within the stomach
that contribute to optimal colon health.
Olive Oil and Heart Health
The American Heart Association has also noted that consumption
of olive oil has “clear health benefits”.
Olive Oil and Lower Blood Pressure
By substituting virgin olive oil for other fats within your
diet, the Archives of Internal Medicine indicates a substantial
reduction in drug dosage requirements for the management of high
blood pressure. Initial findings indicate dosage reductions
could be as high as 50%.
Additional Findings
By lowering the level of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
there is an increase of the HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
The antioxidant effects of olive oil have also been widely
reported and are effective in reducing free radicals within the
body that may prove to be a causal agent in pre cancerous and
cancerous growth.
Additional health benefits of olive oil may be found in a
Mediterranean diet which explores the varied uses of olive oil
in both food preparation as well as additional balanced meal
choices. Combined, olive oil and appropriate food choice seem
to enhance the overall health of those subscribing to the
Mediterranean diet.
Final Word
While studies remain ongoing, it is encouraging to note that
something that has long been noted for good taste may also be a
link to positive health benefits and longevity of life. An
adaptation of the Mediterranean diet may be a healthy, yet
palatable change well worth considering.
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
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