Olive oil, the golden nectar of the gods. This rich source of monounsaturated fat and antioxidants is a crucial part of the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil has a rich history dating back centuries. Cleopatra’s “golden glow” is believed to originate from bathing in olive oil. The Ancient Greeks thought of the olive as a “sacred fruit,” and were the first to refine olives into oil. Romans associated olive oil with elite society, consuming the golden liquid to extend longevity.
What makes olive oil so special? The heart-healthy fats in every bottle of olive oil provide a time-released flow of energy to the body, and the plant-based polyphenols clear the blood of toxins. Olive oil deserves a place at your dining table with every meal you eat.
Next time you toss yourself a Greek salad with balsamic vinegar, don’t forget the extra-virgin olive oil. Here are 15 incredible benefits of adding this superfood to your diet.
1. Balance Your Cholesterol Profile
The stress and pressure of a modern lifestyle combined with poor food choices result in a lousy cholesterol profile. Levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are higher than HDL (good cholesterol), and total triglyceride levels in the blood are dangerously high. Too much cholesterol in the blood forms deposits on arterial walls, clogging the veins and reducing circulation.
The heart is a muscle, and if your veins and arteries clog up with bad cholesterol, you could experience a heart attack or stroke. The monounsaturated fat and antioxidants found in olive oil help your body rebalance your cholesterol profile, increasing the levels of HDL while decreasing LDL and lowering total triglycerides.
Cholesterol has many different positive functions in the body, so it’s vital to ensure that you have a balanced cholesterol profile for excellent health. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to your meals and reap the benefits of monounsaturated fat in your diet.
