Extra Virgin Olive Oil has many health benefits, including regulating blood sugar levels, lowering the chances of heart diseases, moisturizing the skin, and even reducing the risk of some cancers.
In a study showing the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, scientists reported that women who eat a Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oil have a lower risk of breast cancer. The study, conducted by a university in Spain, stated that women who consumed extra-virgin olive oil had a 62 percent lower risk of breast cancer over the next five years. A Mediterranean diet is made up of lots of vegetables, salad, nuts, fruits, fish, lean meat, a small amount of cheese and of course, olive oil.
Extra-virgin means the olive oil is squeezed without the use of heat or chemicals that can alter its chemical properties. Typically, there is a stronger flavor to extra virgin olive oil than processed olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil contains important elements, such as oleic acid which is a monounsaturated, omega-9 fatty acid, squalene and other monounsaturated fats, which can positively influence various metabolic processes in the body. Olive oil also has lots of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E and polyphenols, both of which are effective in fighting against free radicals in the blood. Phenols are antioxidant acids that limit the damage caused by genes implicated in the inflammatory processes.
Factors such as smoking, obesity, alcohol, high intake of animal fats, sausages and canned meat typically increase the risk of cancerous tumors in the body. Routine exercise and a healthy diet can also help lower cancer risks.