If you are still cooking using the traditional cooking oil, then you may not have heard yet about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. Aside from the fact that olive oil lends a wonderful flavor to your favorite pasta, salad or meat dish – it also is one of the healthiest oils available in the market today.
All the health buffs out there are aware that extra virgin olive oil is a main component of the Mediterranean Diet. This is the only type of oil which can be consumed straight from pressed olives rather than processed in a complicated manner.
Now, the reason why extra virgin olive oil is considered to be one of the healthiest types of oil around is because of its monounsaturated fat content. When you use this type of oil instead of the traditional cooking oil in the kitchen, the risks of developing degenerative diseases like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and colon cancer are significantly reduced.
In the Mediterranean Diet, olive oil becomes the main source of fat and when this is added to a daily food intake which is rich in plant foods, fresh fruits, dairy, fish and poultry, it will produce significant health benefits to an individual.
In addition, extra virgin olive oil contains a high level of antioxidants, phenols and vitamin E which help lower the risks of heart disease and colon cancer. Finally, it helps maintain a healthy blood sugar and blood pressure level.
Now that you have a better idea about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, you can use it when cooking stir-fried veggies or when making a dressing for your favorite vegetable salads.