Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil has been used for centuries! From medicinal purposed to the use in salads, olive oil is a staple in many diets. While it's fantastic in food, is olive oil healthy for us?

Some studies say yes, that olive oil has many health benefits. Studies have shown that olive oil may help prevent breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and may even fight heart disease.

Olive oil is high in antioxidants, chemicals that fight cancer. It also contains, oleic acid, a fatty acid that is believed to suppress a gene responsible for over 25% of breast cancers.

Researchers believe that olive oil may be a contributing source to Mediterranean women's low rate of breast and ovarian cancer. However, it is important to remember that Mediterranean diets are also rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish.

Olive oil in Your Diet

Because olive oil has a lot of calories, it should be used in moderation. There are many ways to incorporate olive oil into your diet to reap the possible benefits. Check out these olive and olive oil recipes, from About Homecooking. Not only are they healthy, they taste fabulous too!

References:

1. Reuters. Virgin olive oil deemed especially heart healthy.September 6, 2006.
   
2. Harvard School of Public Health. Fats and Cholesterol
   
3. American Cancer Society. Olive Oil May Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk; august 14, 2002.