Benefits and nutritional properties of olive oil
1. Helps you live longer
Olive oil adds great flavor to many foods, but it also helps prevent and reduce the development of many diseases. Studies show that consuming olive oil on a daily basis is essential to prevent certain types of cancer, thus helping you live longer. This food, besides being tasty, is very healthy.
2. Antibacterial properties
Many of the diseases prevented by this food are due to its antibacterial properties, which have been shown to be particularly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can cause ulcers and stomach cancer. In fact, research shows that it is effective against eight strains of this bacterium, three of which are resistant to antibiotics. The same study has shown that 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil can eliminate Helicobacter pylori infection in 10-40% of people in as little as 2 weeks.
3. Improves intestinal health
As you can see in the previous point, olive oil improves the health of the stomach and digestive system, and acts as a protector by reducing the excess of acids in this part of the body. It also increases the PH of the body because it helps the absorption of calcium and magnesium.
4. Prevents arthritis
Olive oil can help reduce joint pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis. These effects are magnified when combined with the intake of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes deformed and painful joints. While the causes are not known, it is believed to be caused by a deficient immune system in which antibodies attack healthy cells by mistake. Studies show that extra virgin oil reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in individuals with this condition.
5. Improves cognitive functions
Polyphenols are bioactive compounds that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and studies have shown that they enhance the birth of new neurons. Olive oil, among many other nutrients, contains polyphenols. Also, people who consume more fats have better memory, and those who consume monounsaturated fats have better cognitive functions, metabolic functions and better brain development.
Fats also promote the formation of cell membranes and brain tissue.
6. Prevents type II diabetes
This food has a protective effect against diabetes, due to its beneficial effects on glycemia and insulin sensitivity. This was confirmed by a study published in the Diabetes Journal that included 418 subjects. According to the results, the group that consumed the Mediterranean diet with olive oil reduced the risk of developing type II diabetes by more than 40%.
7. Improves skin health
Extra virgin olive oil helps contain anti-aging agents, and nutrients that fight osteoporosis and skin damage. Apparently, olive oil adds a protective layer on the skin, both through consumption and application.
8. Prevents cancer
As I said in the first point, olive oil prevents cancer. The antioxidants found in this type of oil help reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which is believed to be one of the main origins of cancer.
9. Prevents Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's is the neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of so-called beta-amyloid plaques inside brain cells. A study in mice showed that olive oil could eliminate these plaques from neurons.
10. Helps weight loss
Consuming healthy fats can be beneficial when it comes to burning calories, as it speeds up the metabolism. In addition, experts in this subject, such as Leandro Ravetti, affirm that "a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil can favor weight loss and its maintenance. In fact, low-fat diets are less effective than those containing healthy fats for this purpose".
11. Improves the immune system
Having a strong immune system is key to good health, as it is necessary to fight viruses or bacteria that could harm our body. The antioxidants in "green gold" help improve the immune system and, thus, prevent diseases.
12. Prevents heart disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world, and olive oil could prevent it, as it significantly reduces the risk of heart disease through numerous mechanisms, for example, it reduces inflammation, improves the function of the lining of blood vessels and can help prevent unwanted blood clotting.
13. Reduces cholesterol
In addition, olive oil helps protect the body from bad cholesterol or LDL, and the phytosterols it contains increase HDL, which helps balance cholesterol. This results in a reduction of cardiovascular diseases and arteriosclerosis.
Sunflower oil
Although sunflower oil may be high in fat, it is gaining many followers for being the perfect balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
1. Cardiovascular benefits
Sunflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is of utmost importance in the proper functioning of our heart. In addition, it is beneficial for the cardiovascular system because it contains large amounts of choline and phenolic acid. It can contain up to 80% monounsaturated fats, making it one of the most beneficial oils for health and reducing the possibility of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Furthermore, vitamin E acts as a protection for our cells and helps the proper functioning of our organs.
2. It lowers cholesterol:
In other oils with more saturated fats, the body is unable to break down that substance during digestion and nutrient absorption. Therefore, this fat is transported to different parts of the body and is deposited generating the so-called LDL cholesterol or "bad cholesterol". Sunflower oil is low in saturated fat and contains phytosterols, a component that blocks cholesterol absorption in the intestines while protecting the heart. Thus, it helps reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is an antioxidant, repairs the body and helps cell regeneration.
Another benefit of sunflower oil is its high content of vitamin E, a great antioxidant that protects against free radicals that cause cancer by damaging our cells and immune system. In the same line, it is important to highlight its protective role against UVA rays.
On the other hand, sunflower oil has many proteins vital for the construction and repair of tissues.
3. Great ally of the skin
It has great emollient properties that help the skin retain moisture. In addition, it acts as a protective film reducing the probability of infections or pimples by 14%. It is also rich in vitamins A, C and D and in carotenoids and waxes that are effective against acne. Being a light and non-greasy oil, it is absorbed by the skin without clogging pores. It is now that vitamin E acts again as an antioxidant and gets rid of pimple-causing bacteria.
It is also a great ally for dry skin as it improves the ability to retain moisture. If combined with quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil it is effective in removing dead cells and impurities, check out the oils from Navarra that we offer in our online store!
In the case of sensitive skin, it can be used as a make-up remover as it does not irritate or damage the dermis.
4. Prevents frizz and softens the hair:
Because sunflower oil has a light texture, it softens and gives hair a soft and delicate shine, while combating frizz, dryness and breakage. It makes hair easier to manage as it acts as a natural conditioner.
On the other hand, sunflower seed oil is rich in gamma alpha linolenic acid (GLA). This component is vital to prevent hair thinning, being used for hair loss treatment.
Omega 3
Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential to prevent cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, inflammatory diseases, lung and skin diseases. In addition, they are essential during pregnancy and lactation for a correct development of the nervous function and, in general, of many other organic functions.