Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is rich in anti-oxidants, especially Vit E (tokopherol) and sterols, which fights free radicals. It contains high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids which break down cholesterol in the arteries. It increases the HDL (good fats) while lowering the LDL (bad fats) in contrast with other polyunsaturated oils which only lowers LDL (bad fats). It contains no trans fatty acids which are found in margarine for instance. The FDA propagates that NO level of trans fatty acids are safe. Trans fatty acids are formed when oils are hydrogenated, i.e. hydrogen atoms (H) are added to the molecular structure of the oil to change it from a liquid to a solid. It contains high levels of Omega 9 fatty acids. As the body uses the same enzymes to break down Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, it often happens that all the these enzymes are utilized to break down the Omega 6 fatty acids which are commonly consumed in too large quantities in the Western diet. The very healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, if consumed or taken as supplement, are therefore often not utilized as the enzymes which breaks it down, are depleted by breaking down the large quantities of Omega 6 fatty acids. As olive oil is rich in Omega 9, rather than Omega 6, a diet containing more olive oil than oils and food rich in Omega 6, will leave the specific enzymes available for breaking down and efficiently utilizing Omega 3 fatty acids consumed or taken as supplement. It is a natural oil in contrast with refined oils such as sunflower, canola, etc. It is rich in Squalene which protects against skin cancer and is used in face and body creams. Anti-inflammatory Lowers blood-pressure
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 14:38:14 +0000