The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean region, and olive oil is pressed from the olive fruit. Found in products from cosmetics to medicines, olive oil can show up in items you use every day; however, it is perhaps most beneficial when you include it in your diet.
Olive oil consumption has a positive effect on heart health. There are several factors of cardiovascular health that influence heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation and oxidative stress. Olive oil has been found in clinical studies to positively affect all these cardiovascular disease risk factors. It lowers bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol, reduces inflammation, reduces blood pressure and fights cellular damage due to free radicals, according to researchers published in the October 2007 issue of "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research." Olive oil's heart-protective benefits are attributed to its vitamin and antioxidant content, as well as its mono and polyunsaturated fat content.
Cancer is a leading cause of death around the globe, and the World Health Organization reports that the number of cancer deaths is projected to rise annually. Olive oil contains several active components that help protect the body from cancer. One component in particular, oleuporein, has been shown to inhibit the development and spread of cancer in all stages. Oleuporein has been shown effective against breast, bladder, brain, skin and colorectal cancers, according to a study in the April 23, 2010 issue of "Scientia Pharmaceutica."
Inflammation is the body's normal response to injury, but if the body is in a state of chronic inflammation, this can lead to organ damage, cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Researchers from Australia report that olive oil helps alleviate inflammation. Their study, published in the 2011 issue of "Current Pharmaceutical Design," states that olive oil contains a compound called oleocanthal which works as well as ibuprofen in fighting inflammation, without harmful side effects which include liver stress.
Diabetes or high blood sugar is a serious condition often associated with obesity, high cholesterol, eye trouble and circulatory problems. However, consuming a Mediterranean diet rich with olive oil reduces the risk of developing diabetes, according to a study in the January 2011 issue of "Diabetes Care." In the study, participants who consumed virgin olive oil consistently experienced up to a 52 percent reduction in their risk of developing diabetes.
