Health Benefits of Zoë Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Arthrosclerosis heart disease represents the primary cause of death in the industrial nations. Numerous studies have demonstrated evidence of the narrow link between arthrosclerosis and dietary habits, lifestyle, and certain elements of economic development. There are many factors leading to arthrosclerosis but the most significant is elevated cholesterol blood levels, high blood pressure, diabetes and tobacco. Studies have shown diets rich in olive oil have an anti pro-thrombotic (blood clots) and anti platelet (coagulation) effect which explains the low incident of heart attacks in countries where the main source of fatty acid is olive oil.

Olive oil is a nutritional superstar – rich in antioxidants and heart healthy monounsaturated fats that help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and increase ‘good’ HDL. A study of people with high cholesterol, blood samples showed less potential for harmful clotting just two hours after the study subjects ate a meal with olive oil. That’s because olive oil is rich in natural phenolics and polyphenols, two related classes of natural compounds found in plants that makes blood less likely to clot. All you need is about 2 tablespoons a day for benefit (use it in place of other fats).

Diets rich in olive oil can help prevent memory loss in healthy seniors. A study on senior citizens who adopted a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, which are present in olive oil, showed this group of people were less inclined to suffer from cognitive decline related to age. It is unsure how the higher quantity of monounsaturated fatty acids prevent cognitive decline but it is thought this phenomenon is due to the maintenance of the nervous membrane. The need for monounsaturated fatty acids is greater during the aging process.

The research allowed scientists to verify the direct correlation between the consumption of olive oil and the deterioration of cognitive powers related to aging, memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It was understood Extra Virgin Olive Oil plays a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by a key component that eliminates the abnormal proteins from the brain which are typically related to Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidant oleocanthal protects the nerve cells against an accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain. This is a recent discovery published in the March 19, 2013 edition of ACS Chemical Neuroscience.

Olive oil reduces the risk of acid reflux in the stomach near the esophagus and partially inhibits the gastric motility thereby draining the gastric contents from the stomach up to the duodenum in a slower and more progressive manner. You’ll have a greater sensation of satiety and better digestion and absorption of nutrients in the stomach. Olive oil helps the hepatobiliary system (liver, gall bladder, bile ducts) guaranteeing an optimal biliary drainage of the gall bladder and bile ducts; also stimulates the synthesis of biliary salts in the liver and increases the hepatic excretion of cholesterol.

An efficient digestive phase of lipids prevents the formation of gallstones. Olive oil helps to reduce the ‘job’ of the pancreas by reducing pancreatic secretions, but in an efficient manner for the functioning of the digestive system. Olive oil is recommended in the treatment of different diseases that require an optimal functioning pancreas (cystic fibrosis, chronic malabsorption). In the small intestine olive oil partially helps to prevent the absorption of cholesterol.

Olive oil is liquid gold for health! The monounsaturated fat found in olive oil stops the breakdown of muscle tissue and can protect your joints. Just what you need after your exercise workout!

The consumption of olive oil favours the mineralization and development of bones. Bone density is increased which may play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Calcium loss is prevented by the onset of menopause and aging.

Olive oil is appreciated in the kitchen for its quality flavor but its cosmetic property is also surprising and interesting for the skin and hair. Olive oil is comprised of 80% essential acids (oleic, linoleic and palmitic) which is closest to mother’s milk and has vitamins A, E, C, D and chlorophyll. These properties favour cell growth, healing and polyphenols. In brief an excellent wellness cocktail for healing the irritated epidermis and dry, damaged hair. It is among the vegetable oils with benefits for the skin, and the cosmetic industry has tried to keep it quiet! The virtues of olive oil will continue to be exploited in the beauty industry for a long time.

Olive oil nourishes and softens the skin and especially those rough skin spots like the elbows, knees, feet and hands. Deep nourishment repair is provided to the hair and scalp leaving the hair nice and shiny. Many researchers believe the daily consumption of olive oil with other typical Mediterranean foods can aid against the effects of oxidation from the sun. Statistics show 3 inhabitants for every 100,000 people in the Mediterranean develop skin cancer. This figure is low considering the hot climate in the region. Of course sunscreen continues to be the best protection against UVA and UVB rays from the sun.