Inside Out

The Mediterranean diet is said to be one of the best in the world, offering numerous health benefits. It is believed that the abundance of olive oil contributes a large chunk of the beneficial properties and studies have found the oil to be very good for us in a multitude of ways.

Heart Helper
When cholesterol oxidises it sticks to the artery walls and creates damaging plaque; narrowing the blood vessels and upping the work load of the heart. The body is put in danger of a stroke or heart attack, with the chance of a fatal outcome. Abundant with antioxidants such as chlorophyll, carotenoids and vitamin E, and rich in mono-unsaturated fat, olive oil takes good care of our hearts. The slippery dietary marvel contains a compound called oleuropein which prevents cholesterol from oxidizing and creating plaque ridden arteries. By replacing some of the fats in our diets with olive oil we can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of having a heart attack by a considerable amount. Olive oil truly is a hearty dietary staple.

Cancer Crusher
Oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat found in the Mediterranean oil, has been acknowledged for its ability to affect of the gene which turns cells into cancer cells in cases of breast cancer. When combined with medicinal therapy, oleic acid has been found to further the self-destruction of aggressive cancerous cells which would normally resist traditional treatments.

Olive oil has also been found to protect the colon from cancer promoting carcinogens, by minimising the number of carcinogens created whilst cooking meat. As if that’s not enough, the golden-green liquid may have benefits for those suffering with prostate and endometrial cancers.

Diabetes Destroyer
A low-fat, high carbohydrate diet combined with olive oil controls blood sugar levels far better than low fat diets alone, making it a superior diet plan for diabetics and those who may be at risk of diabetes. But that’s not all; olive oil may also reduce triglyceride levels which, when too high, put diabetics in danger of suffering from heart disease.