How To Use Olive Oil As Medicine

Fresh Olives

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3.  Lowers Risk of Diabetes

The scientific journal Diabetes Care published a study that showed that consuming a Mediterranean diet, which uses plenty of olive oil, can reduce type II diabetes by more than 50 percent. This is due to the high levels of monounsaturated fats that olive oil contains the same type of fat that many seeds and nuts also have. Monounsaturated fats are vital in reducing the risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Eating a diet low in saturated fats, but rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and other types of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and coconut oil, is the most effective means of controlling or limiting the effects of diabetes. This type of diet has been shown in numerous studies to improve blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

 

4. Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Compounds

Chronic inflammation is not your body’s friend, so keeping it in check is vital for good health. Olive oil contains powerful phenols that have super anti-inflammatory compounds and its antimicrobial agents will help keep pathogens at bay.

 

5. Lower Blood Pressure

The Archives of Internal Medicine journal published a study which showed that persons who take high blood pressure medications may be able to reduce those medicines if they use extra-virgin olive oil (consuming about 30 to 40 grams daily) rather than other types of vegetable oils or lard.

 

6. Fights Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a serious condition where the bones lose density and weaken, enabling them to break or fracture very easily. The word ‘osteoporosis’ literally means ‘porous bones.’ This disease is sometimes called a silent disease because most people are unaware that they have it until they break a bone.

Madrid University in Spain conducted a study which found that people who consumed higher levels of olive oil had higher levels of a protein made by bone forming cells called osteocalcin. Having high levels of this protein generally indicates stronger, denser bones.

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