There’s a reason olive oil has been touted for its myriad health benefits for centuries. It was first harnessed by civilisations living in Mycenaean Greece around 1,600 B.C. and still forms an integral part of the Mediterranean diet today. Olive oil is formed through the process of cold-pressing (crushing) olives and collecting the fresh fat that gets extracted.
This wonder oil can be consumed raw and uncooked or used as a cooking oil. Since it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), olive oil has been proven to elevate healthy cholesterol levels while diminishing unhealthy cholesterol levels. In fact, according to experts, olive oil contains more MUFAs than any other natural plant oil, including sunflower, sesame, coconut, rapeseed (canola) and corn oil.
This factor helps prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, which is the primary cause of premature mortality worldwide. The American Heart Association recommends consuming olive oil daily for this reason. You can read further about the benefits of olive oil, as explained here, when consumed before sleep time.
Drinking olive oil benefits for health include:
- Heart health
- Stroke prevention
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce Inflammation
- Bone strength
- Improves gut health
- It can help maintain blood sugar levels
- Sleep quality is enhanced by consuming olive oil before bedtime
Shed Some Pesky Pounds With Olive Oil
Many oils are renowned for packing on those extra pounds. However, olive oil is, thankfully, not one of them. Deep-frying is a main culprit in the overweight and obesity crisis people face with modern lifestyles and society. Drinking olive oil (especially extra virgin) is known to be quite helpful with slimming, though, and can be safely included in a balanced, healthy diet.
Even though olive oil contains a similar calorie amount to other fat sources such as butter and refined oils, it’s overall much healthier for the body. The monounsaturated fatty acids assist in controlling blood sugar levels, which means fewer insulin spikes. When these are stable, appetite is controlled and satiety is promoted.
In other words, less binge-attacks on processed and trans-fat foods, which are loaded with empty calories. Drinking olive oil benefits the metabolism and helps prevent metabolic syndrome. Ingesting olive oil keeps the gastrointestinal tract happy too. Effective digestion is crucial for weight loss and weight management. The MUFAs facilitate efficient food mobility throughout the entire colon and support healthy, regular bowel movements.
Many people hold extra pounds around their stomach area. Belly fat is a particularly insidious form of fat responsible for many chronic diseases. Because what underlies the externally visible fat is actually a layer of visceral fat that coats the organs. Visceral fat contributes to conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Olive oil assists with blood circulation and clotting, thus reducing these hypertension conditions. The oil carries a high source of Vitamin E, which may help prevent belly fat accumulation caused by free-radical load on the body. Vitamin E is also a healing antioxidant with anti-ageing properties. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties are helpful for pain relief, which can be associated with carrying extra weight on the joints.
Plus, olive oil can be added to one’s beauty regime as a natural, moisturising skincare ingredient. It takes off the toughest makeup without having to worry about added chemicals and preservatives. When drinking olive oil uncooked, it’s advisable to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is the highest quality option. It’s unrefined, unprocessed and contains no additives.
In its pure and natural state, it contains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It also has a low smoking point, which makes it useful for quick, low-heat cooking purposes such as sautéing and shallow frying. Regular olive oil is the better and ideal choice for general cooking, courtesy of its high smoke point, meaning it won’t burn easily.
How To Make A Belly Fat-Burning Drink Using Olive Oil
Mix together a tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice in a shot glass. Drink this 20-30 minutes before the first meal of the day. Other fat-burning ingredients can be added, such as cayenne pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, honey and apple cider vinegar. This mixture assists with digestion, which in turn aids in burning belly fat. Plus, it has a cleansing and detoxing effect and is a metabolism booster.
Main Takeaway
So, we’ve established that drinking olive oil benefits general well-being and is a valuable addition to a slimming and nutritious diet plan. Use it in cooking, as well as drizzled over salads and veggies and in dips and sauces.
Not only is it healthy and flavoursome, but it can provide that added ingredient needed for finally losing that belly fat. A good amount of olive oil to aim to consume is between one to two tablespoons per day.
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