Here's why olive oil is a big staple of the Mediterranean diet

Darielle Britto | Aug 14, 2019, 12:14 IST
Health experts are constantly raving about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. It includes a good balance of various food items that are beneficial for our overall health.Olive oil is another reason this diet is so popular in the wellness world. Olive oil is popularly used in dishes, DIY remedies and so much more. Here are a few reasons this oil is so important in the Mediterranean diet.

1. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants: A good amount of antioxidants in the body helps to protect from free radical damage. While blueberries and some teas are rich sources of it, antioxidants can also be found in high amounts in olive oil. Consuming olive oil may also help to protect you from chronic diseases.

2. May reduce inflammation: Some time, depending on the level of it inflammation can be a good thing. However, increased levels of inflammation can be damaging to our health. It can lead to a host of medical issues like arthritis.Because olive oil contains monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, it can help to reduce chronic inflammation. You can add the oil to your salad.

3. May improve heart health: Olive oil contains healing properties that can help to slow down the ageing process of the heart.As the heart ages, it may not function as well as it once did.If the arteries don't function well, it can also lead to several health issues. However, researchers found that a diet that includes olive oil or other monounsaturated fats can significantly improve arterial function.

4. May tackle osteoporosis: A decrease in body mass, which causes the bone tissue to become fragile, leads to osteoporosis. Consuming a good amount of olive may be able to improve the symptoms of the condition.

5. May reduce the risk of depression: If you are suffering from depression and anxiety, you should adopt a Mediterranean diet. Researchers from the University of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria discovered olive oil may be able to protect against mental health issues. The more you consume olive oil, the lower your chances are of developing depression, according to some studies.
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