Olive Oil Health Benefits
The potential health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) are numerous, with studies thus far showing that it may help to prevent breast cancer, aid in weight loss, boost metabolism, reduce heart problems, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and much more.
Let's dive in!
Oxidation. The risk of heart disease, cancer, and general aging increases with excessive oxidation. EVOO contains a rich amount of monounsaturated fats, which prevent oxidation. In contrast, the main type of fat in vegetable oils (polyunsaturated fat) encourages oxidation.
EVOO also contains a number of phenols (acting as antioxidants) which lower oxidation and, in turn, lower the risk of heart disease and prevents initiation of cancers.
Blood Levels of Fasting Insulin and Glucose. Higher blood levels of both insulin and glucose have been related to an increased risk of heart disease and several types of cancer. Two tablespoons of EVOO a day has been shown to decrease blood levels of glucose and insulin. Besides decreasing your risk of heart disease and cancer, EVOO also improves blood glucose control for diabetics.
Blood Pressure. 2 to 3 tablespoons of EVOO a day has been shown to lower blood pressure. EVOO with higher phenol content has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure compared to olive oil with lower phenol content.
Inflammation. When high levels of inflammation are measured in the blood in conjunction with illnesses like heart disease or cancer, the outcome of the disease has been less favorable. Found in some EVOO, Oleocanthal is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and causes the “burning” sensation when we swallow olive oil. It works like ibuprofen to limit the production of inflammatory compounds in the body.
Blood Coagulation. Blood that clots easily increases your risk of heart disease and cerebral vascular accidents (strokes). EVOO high in phenols has been shown to decrease your chance of blood clots.
Body Weight. There may be some concern that because “olive oil is a fat” that consuming it often could lead to weight gain. However, patients who used EVOO as part of a weight loss program lost more weight than when they went on a low-fat diet.
Other studies have shown that people who use EVOO as their main dietary fat also tend to have a lower body weight and gain less weight over time. That’s likely due to the fact that adding healthy fats actually makes us feel full, which helps us to stop eating sooner. Additionally, fat extends the length of time before you feel hungry again.
Balsamic Vinegar Health Benefits
Balsamic Vinegar has a lot of benefits, many of which come from the grapes it's squeezed from. First, it retains most of the grape nutrients, like iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium– yum!
Even more than that, it has tons of health benefits, too. These include:
Anti-Aging and Preventing Cancer through Antioxidants. Antioxidants from Balsamic Vinegar destroy free radicals and prevent cells from being destroyed, thus slowing the process of aging, the hardening of arterial walls, and even helping to prevent cancer and other infectious diseases. We could go more in-depth but let’s just say it involves bioflavonoids, something called quercetin, polyphenols, and much more!
Reduces Risks of Heart Attacks and Heart Disease. Balsamic Vinegar is low in saturated fat and is believed to reduce cholesterol. It’s also low in sodium. All of those things enhance heart health and reduce blood pressure. So go ahead, substitute those higher-fat, higher-cholesterol dressings for Balsamic Vinegar and enjoy the benefits!
Controls Diabetes. Research reveals that consumption of at least 5 teaspoons of Balsamic Vinegar a day enhances insulin sensitivity. The greater the insulin sensitivity, the better the body’s diabetes control.
Natural Pain Reliever. In ancient times, folk healers used vinegar to relieve body pain and to treat wounds and infections.
Assists Digestion. The polyphenols in Balsamic Vinegar stimulate the activity of the pepsin enzyme. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme, which means it helps break proteins into smaller units. The polyphenols also assist the intestine in absorbing amino acids quickly, which helps the body in cell building, repair and other body maintenance work.
In addition: Besides these health benefits, Balsamic Vinegar also reduces the frequency of headaches, strengthens bones (helps with calcium absorption), energizes the body, prevents anemia, and can help with appetite suppression.
Health Benefits provided by Veronica Foods Company, Oakland, CA (510)-535-6833