5 Reasons Why Olive Oil is the Ultimate Healthy Fat

Posted Wed, Apr 01, 2009, 10:47 am PDT

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Whether in Rome or at home, do as the Romans do: Make olive oil a staple. If you already eat the Mediterranean way, you know that the oil not only tastes good but that it is good for you. It's an amazing source of antioxidants, capable of dousing inflammation, defending cells from menacing molecules, and more. Here's the latest on this superhero food.

IT CUTS YOUR CANCER RISK
Olive oil's cancer-preventing powers are lab legends. Which substances get the credit? Polyphenols, for one -- these potent plant antioxidants protect against cancer-causing cell damage. But it also looks like the oil's monounsaturated fat has anti-cancer effects, which means olive oil packs quite a one-two punch! Some people-proof: Check the lower rates of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer among Southern Europeans -- whose diets flow with olive oil -- compared to their northern neighbors.

IT HELPS YOUR HEART
There's virtually nothing better than the big "double O" when it comes to your heart. Olive oil ups good HDL cholesterol, lowers bad LDL, and reduces other harmful blood fats (triglycerides). And that's not all. It also reduces inflammation, another contributor to cardiovascular disease.

IT KEEPS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN
Speaking of your heart, how's your blood pressure? If it's not below 120/80, you need to get it there. And yes, olive oil plays a role. It can help enough to reduce the need for daily meds. Those potent polyphenols appear to dilate arteries, which brings blood pressure down. (Always choose extra-virgin olive oil, by the way -- its minimal processing preserves the maximum number of antioxidants and heat-sensitive vitamins.)

IT HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
"Great taste, less filling" -- that light beer slogan rings true for olive oil. While ounce for ounce, all oils have the same calories, olive oil has a fuller flavor so less is needed for tantalizing taste. Plus research shows that overweight people who eat a diet with some fat -- including olive oil -- are more likely to shed pounds than those who slash fat. Why? Oil's rich flavor makes it easier to stick with the program.

IT EASES YOUR ACHING HEAD
If you're prone to headaches and wary of overdoing ibuprofen, try routinely dressing your salad or crisp-tender veggies in extra-virgin olive oil. It contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that, like ibuprofen, blocks pain-producing and inflammatory substances -- but without the risk of stomach upset. While daily oleocanthal doses aren't the painkiller's complete equal, they could lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, arthritis and possibly Alzheimer's. Quite a trade-off.

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685 Comments

1. Posted by del_79@sbcglobal.net on Wed, Apr 11, 2007, 10:42 am PDT

This is good info that i didn't no about
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2. Posted by SevenCostanza on Wed, Apr 11, 2007, 12:05 pm PDT

This is all only true for virgin or extra virgin olive oil.
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3. Posted by kailamangalam on Wed, Apr 11, 2007, 10:55 pm PDT

This is a good piece of information
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4. Posted by jnair544 on Wed, Apr 11, 2007, 11:20 pm PDT

This piece of i nformation is worth absorbing and adding to daily life.
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5. Posted by DARLENE A on Wed, Apr 11, 2007, 11:41 pm PDT

This is great to let everyone know .........I's really health smart an also very good............
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6. Posted by linda_armijo on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 12:06 am PDT

A Mediterranean diet (which includes extra virgin olive oil) makes sense to me. Adding extra virgin olive oil and wild salmon oil to my diet has helped with my chronic dry skin and joint stiffness...Lubrication from the inside out...what a novel (albeit inexpensive) idea!!! Linda
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7. Posted by mindacbj on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 12:10 am PDT

Does it really? What did I do wrong it hasn't help me like it is described as above? I've been using olive oil in years,in different concentrations,nada result. I love the taste, though ,so I'm still using it,a lot.
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8. Posted by Kamelia A on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 1:02 am PDT

I love the taste of Olive Oil in food. To enable the body to get results, I detox my body first... that's the preparation stage before the body can act to it's maximum level, logic rite? Then i started on healthy food, Olive oil is a must in my meals!
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9. Posted by tjandmeandme on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 5:34 am PDT

this is a great bit of info. i've been using canola oil for the past 4 years but because of all these health benefits, i'll cook more with EVOO. it seems to address all of my health concerns. thanks
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10. Posted by alvin on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 5:57 am PDT

wish that olive oil is not expensive...
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11. Posted by francine3054 on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 6:01 am PDT

I only ever used Canola Oil, but after reading the Extra Virgin Olive Oil article, I will definitely switch!
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12. Posted by SHADY on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 7:09 am PDT

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees. I love extra virgin olive oil expensive but worth spending some extra monney on something that taste so good and good for ur health too.
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13. Posted by epantonial on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 7:17 am PDT

That's really good news. I will try to include olive oil in my cooking from now on.
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14. Posted by ayderosobhg on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 7:35 am PDT

My husband was a major butter and margarine user. I was sick a couple months ago. He had to cook and I would only let him use olive oil. He has now been converted!!!
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15. Posted by .. on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 7:59 am PDT

I think while EVOO offers many health benefits it should be noted the benefits of EVOO are mostly in it's raw state. Once it is heated the molecular structure is changed and it becomes a trans fat, which is not so great. If you need a cooking oil for sauting or stir fry coconut is a great alternative, it is a saturated fat but it does not turn into a trans fat due to its high flash point. It has long been thought to be high in cholesteral but recent research is dispelling that myth. Also, both oils are great for skin care!
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16. Posted by Chel on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 8:29 am PDT

I adore EVOO and use it in practically everything I cook. My favorite use is in pasta. I cook up some spaghetti and instead of drowning it in sauce, I just use a little EVOO on it and some fresh herbs and it is so good! Much healthier. And you can use EVOO on your hair to repair split ends and on your skin to sooth rough patches. I use it on my elbows (which are always rough) and it helps!
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17. Posted by kickboxergrrrrl93101 on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 8:34 am PDT

"Once it is heated the molecular structure is changed and it becomes a trans fat" That is patently untrue. Basically, trans fat is made when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil--a process called hydrogenation. Partial hydrogenation changes a fat's molecular structure (raising its melting point and reducing rancidity), but this process also results in a portion of the changed fat becoming trans fat. Simply heating olive oil, as in cooking with it, does NOT cause it to become a "trans fat." Good grief.
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18. Posted by jasonpmorse on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 9:11 am PDT

ANICE I LOVE OLIVE OIL!!!!!!MY WIFE AND I USE IT ALL THE TIME WE ARE OLIVE OIL CRAZY AND ITS GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!WOO WOO WE WOO
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19. Posted by BlondeRabbit on Thu, Apr 12, 2007, 10:11 am PDT

Yes, the extra virgin olive oil is pricier, but watch for store specials, especially at specialty markets...and a little drizzle does go a long way.
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20. Posted by sage_poisonheart on Fri, Apr 13, 2007, 1:25 pm PDT

Yum. I use olive oil whenever I can.
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21. Posted by Judith P on Sat, Apr 14, 2007, 7:05 am PDT

I have a question. Do you have to refridgerate olive oil after it has been opened?
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22. Posted by Romz on Fri, Apr 20, 2007, 6:15 am PDT

Its best to referigerate because its taste changes if its left on the counter for a longer period.You can also store it in a cool dark place .
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23. Posted by cheetuck87 on Fri, Apr 20, 2007, 6:38 am PDT

Although olive oil is such a healthy oil ,it does not tasty when dressing with salad
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24. Posted by I'm ah believer! on Fri, Apr 20, 2007, 6:55 am PDT

This info is better than good... it is essential. It may seem too small a lifestyle change to make any difference... but just know the results too, are better than good.
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25. Posted by Eric D on Fri, Apr 20, 2007, 7:16 am PDT

I wish i could use olive oil on everything...maybe ill even bathe with it?
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26. Posted by masoom on Fri, Apr 20, 2007, 8:05 am PDT

very good info indeed!
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27. Posted by GG on Tue, Apr 24, 2007, 1:54 pm PDT

AMAZING!!!
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28. Posted by Steve K on Tue, Apr 24, 2007, 1:54 pm PDT

MAke sure it is cold pressed, nutrients are lost when the olives are heated.
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29. Posted by on Tue, Apr 24, 2007, 1:55 pm PDT

yeah but it does fail to mention that olive oil may raise your cholesterol level. Unsaturated fats have a dentency to do that.
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30. Posted by jackie on Tue, Apr 24, 2007, 1:55 pm PDT

anyone who didnt already know this must be a tub of lard! EVOO FTW!
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