A Delicious Companion To Good Health: The Olive Oil Story
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 kitchen
gifts can be found here.
Article Source: James Zeller at JPServicez-SearchArticles.com
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