Olive Oil and Antioxidants, How to Reduce Free Radicals?

We live in an age in which we are beginning to see the development of an awareness of eating habits and good health. Several qualifying phrases such as low-carb, high protein, and Hoodia are mentioned as a means to achieve a better life while honing a better physique.

Another phrase that is repeated often es''antioxidantes. "

What exactly is an antioxidant and why is it important?

Everyone has what is called "free radicals" that roam around the body. These free radicals have the potential to attack the body, mainly in the form of cancer. Antioxidants fight back. A nutrition plan that includes antioxidants can help staving off the potential of acute illness due to free radicals.

Beverages such as coffee and tea are often a certain amount of antioxidants, but fresh fruit is especially rich in antioxidants. Fruit, of course, remains high on the list of foods recommended by the USDA, but may be surprised to know that extra virgin olive oil as part of a balanced diet can provide as much antioxidant as a piece of fruit.

The health benefits of olive oil is still a pleasant discovery for many. It is not something that often adds significant taste to a gourmet meal and can be a very healthy option.

A diet that is low in saturated fat (red meat) balanced with a healthy dose of fatty acids has identified a number of health benefits. Most fatty acids that your body may need to be found in extra virgin olive oil.

The health benefits of olive oil spread to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing the amount of HDL (good cholesterol).

Case Study

The University of Barcelona conducted a controlled study followed 16 people who had reported to abstain from certain foods containing phenols (an antioxidant designed to attack free radicals). After abstaining for four days the test group was given extra virgin olive oil to determine if this alone could increase the levels of phenol in the body.

50ml olive oil provided the test subjects, while abstaining from things like butter, nuts, eggs and margarine. After the first day of the total intake of olive oil fell by half. A week later, blood samples indicate high amounts of vitamin E, antioxidants and phenols. Oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids were also observed at higher levels - the acids are indicative of reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation.

Some researchers believe the health benefits of olive oil may be untapped, and many have regular intake of olive oil can be one of the best kept health secrets available.

Beyond its antioxidant properties, extra virgin olive oil has provided important data that indicate that it may also lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and help in the fight against colon cancer in particular.

Is not it time to discover the virtues of olive oil by itself?

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