Health is all-encompassing and means eating right, working out, socializing, and exercising our brains. And when it comes to recommended foods, some have more health benefits than others —some even have benefits aside from consuming them. Society grants extra virgin olive oil titles like “the great healer” and “liquid gold” because it’s exactly that! So, jot down these amazing benefits of using extra virgin olive oil and add this natural fat source to your shopping list.
It’s Rich in Nutrients
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the best natural fats, and our bodies need these to function. In addition, EVOO has antioxidants, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and other key nutrients. In fact, many of the minerals in extra virgin olive oil act as anti-inflammatory agents, and some help lower bad cholesterol. So, you can sauté your food for a bit of crispness without sacrificing health benefits!
Interesting Side Note
Regular olive oil and extra virgin aren’t the same. “What’s the difference between the two?” you may ask. One example of the differences is that regular olive oil contains a blend of olive oil, while extra virgin only has the juice from the olives, making it much healthier for you.
Olive Oil and Cosmetic Health
Some foods are only healthy if you eat them, but extra virgin olive oil also has many cosmetic benefits to your body. By rubbing EVOO onto your scalp, you can encourage hair growth and strengthen it. Often these types of hair treatments lead to bright and silky hair.
Additionally, if your scalp is dry, a bit of extra virgin olive oil can help hydrate it and act as a moisturizing agent. Experts recommend heating up 2 to 4 tablespoons of EVOO, then massaging it through your scalp and allowing it to sit for at least an hour before washing your hair.
It’s Great for Brain Health
The final benefit of using extra virgin olive oil is that it’s excellent for brain health! First, eating it can help boost mood because many of the vitamins and nutrients in it help increase our natural production of serotonin. Combining this with a Mediterranean diet—these recipes often call for extra virgin olive oil—can boost overall health. Eating this way helps provide our body with the appropriate nutrients to produce the feel-good hormones we need to live a happy life.
EVOO is also great for your brain because it boosts cognitive function and memory. Many health care professionals agree that those with a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia. Nutrients in extra virgin olive oil help prevent the risk of plaque building up on the brain. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder we call this commonly used cooking oil liquid gold!
