Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil. It is extracted from crushed olives and 95% of the world production is from the Mediterranean countries.
The main health benefit of olive oil is that this oil is rich in antioxidants. Vitamin E is an active antioxidant present, which helps in fighting free radicals that damage the skin. Olive oil is very helpful in lowering the blood pressure and reducing the chances of heart diseases. Olive oil nutritional fact includes presence of active phytonutrient compounds like poylphemols and flavonoids that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Oxidation of cholesterol is prevented by olive oil, thus reducing the risk of heart attack. The neutralizing components of olive oil also help in the prevention of colon cancer to some extent. It helps in lubricating the bones helping with the problem of bone degeneration. The best quality olives or olive oils are known to act as painkillers.
Olive oil health benefits also include some relief to people suffering from various ailments like asthma, arteriosclerosis, constipation, diabetes, stomach problems, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc. Read more on health benefits of olive oil. Olive oil health benefits are not just limited for the heart but are also useful for the health of skins, nails and hair. Olive oil contains poly and monounsaturated fats that are good for the body, as they have the property to help reduce fat.
Olive oil is more easily absorbed by the body than any other edible fat. You can even use olive oil as a substitute for fat in a baking recipe. Olive oil is the only oil in the world which has variety of natural flavors and no two flavors are same!