Olive oil has many benefits and surprisingly few side effects. It is derived from the olive and is popular with people around the world. The popularity of this type of oil has likely increased due to the fact that people who eat olive oil regularly, such as those with a Mediterranean diet, tend to have low cholesterol levels and are often free from heart disease. Many people are surprised that any type of fat can be healthy, but according to the Mayo Clinic, olive oil is healthy because it is a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). It is believed that MUFAs have many health benefits.
What Can Olive Oil Do For Me?
Olive oil is believed to decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as total cholesterol levels. This can prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Although more research is needed, studies have pointed to the fact that MUFAs help control blood sugar, which can be especially beneficial to millions of people with type 2 diabetes. Olive oil does not require processing, so it retains the vitamins that are found in olives. These vitamins may also benefit the body in various ways.
Researchers also believe that olive oil can help reduce certain types of cancer, including colon, skin and breast cancers. Some people use it to relieve constipation and to help their digestive system work well. Additionally, this oil has many antioxidants that promote the health of cells and prevent them from being damaged by free radicals. According to a 2005 edition of the British Journal of Medicine, extra virgin olive oil contains the ingredient Oleocanthal that acts as a pain reliever much like ibuprofen. Another study, published in the April 2011 European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that test subjects had lowered anti-inflammatory effects when they ate olive oil daily.
Side Effects of Olive Oil
Although it is uncommon for a person to have an olive oil allergy, it is possible to have this food allergy. Olive oil is known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating. The body reacts in this way to rid itself of the substance that it is allergic to through the gastrointestinal system.
It is also possible for a person to develop wheezing, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath after eating olive oil. Skin problems are another allergic reaction in people who have an olive oil allergy. Contact eczema may develop if olive oil, or products containing olive oil, come in direct contact with the skin. Hives are another possible reaction that results from eating olive oil. An allergist can test you to confirm that you have an olive oil allergy. Although most people benefit from eating this healthy oil, those with an allergy to it need to avoid it in the foods they eat.