When you think of olive oil, you would probably immediately think of the golden liquid made from olives. You would probably also think that it is only commonly used in cooking, frying and salad dressing. And you would be right. But that would also mean that your knowledge of olive oil is limited, as olive oil is used in many things and for many things. From cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, to soap and fuel for oil lamps.
Benefits of drinking olive oil in the morning
Olive oil goes far beyond just cooking and cosmetics. It also holds many health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We already ingest olive oil through food, so why not in larger quantities? Although there isn’t any research to support the claims of the benefits of drinking olive oil, it is claimed that it can detoxify the body, soothe the stomach, and even help with weight loss. Some people in the Mediterranean region drink 60 ml of olive oil each morning.
Is olive oil good for you?
There are good fats and bad fats. Unfortunately many people ingest bad fats which causes them to become obese. But the good fats are essential to the health of each person, and not everyone ingests enough of these good fats. These good fats are called polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. For the sake of reference we will refer to these as PUFA and MUFA. The recommended dietary guidelines are 20-35% of your calories from PUFAs and MUFAs. These fats are found in many natural products such as nuts, seeds and – you guessed it – olive oil. Not only is it ingested for its benefits, but it may also relieve constipation. 34% of people are affected by constipation, so drinking olive oil is just as effective as drinking mineral oil. Furthermore it is common knowledge amongst the medical community that olive oil is good for the heart as it is a heart-healthy fat. The reason for this is because of the presence of oleic acid, which is found in high quantities in olive oil.
How much olive oil should I drink?
The FDA suggests 22 ml of oil high in oleic acid for heart health, while a study done on 7447 people who drank 60 ml of olive oil showed that they were 30% less likely to develop heart disease. There are capsules available that contains about 1000 grams of olive oil. The recommended amount is four tablespoons, or 40 ml, per day.
Is olive oil bad for you?
This is a question that will always come up with anything that you consume. The answer is yes… if it is taken in large quantities. But isn’t that the same with absolutely everything? Even water! It really is true that too much of a good thing is bad for you. Another question that has been asked is whether olive oil reduces testosterone. This time the answer is no. In actual fact, extra virgin olive oil may increase male reproductive health. A small-scale study was done which indicated that olive oil may actually boost serum testosterone levels.
Is olive oil a blood thinner?
You would immediately think that it is impossible for an oil to be a blood thinner, but the truth is that olive oil is actually a natural blood thinner. According to a study done on a group of obese adults, drinking olive oil only once a week showed less platelet activity in the blood. This is good because it reduces the tendency of blood to clot. This preliminary research was presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention Scientific Sessions in 2019. If you are now worried that you should choose between olive oil and your prescribed blood thinners, then you can relax. Through studies it was found that there were no interactions between olive oil and mainstream blood thinners.
Hematic food channel is also contributed to this research by doing an independent experiment to find out “Is olive oil a blood thinner?”. If you are interested to find out how body reacts to the olive oil on empty stomach. Watch Is olive oil a blood thinner experiment below to find out the outcome of it.
Is olive oil good for diabetics?
Not only is it good for diabetics, but it may actually prevent diabetes. Olive oil reduces glucose levels, low density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Because it has so many health benefits concerning cholesterol, olive oil also prevents a series of diseases frequently suffered by diabetic patients. For a diabetic person, the prescribed amount of extra virgin olive oil per day is 1-2 tablespoons with meals. This will help moderate the person’s blood sugar without limitations on certain foods that contain carbohydrates.
What about olive oil and lemon juice?
Lemon juice has long been associated with weight loss. So what would happen if you add olive oil into the mix? Not only will the two work together to aid in weight loss, but will also help to detoxify and purify your body. Another bonus of drinking this mixture is that it will help patients who suffer from kidney stones. The citrate in the lemon juice will help break up the stones, while the olive oil will help flush the stones out of your body. There is even a gallbladder cleanse that you can do with olive oil and lemon juice. More on this, in a near future.
How long does olive oil last?
Most olive oils have a shelf life of approximately 18-24 months from the time that they are bottled. Extra virgin olive oil has a slightly shorter shelf life of 12-18 months. If you keep it for longer than that, the oil will go rancid and you will have to throw it out. Although it won’t make you sick, it loses most of its nutritional value and antioxidants. It will also give your food a funny taste. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the olive oil will last longer if you store it in the fridge. This truly does not make a difference, as long as it is stored properly. Don’t go leaving it out in the sun. But don’t throw away the fridge just yet. Storing unopened bottles of olive oil in the fridge can prolong its shelf life slightly. But if you’re drinking your oil every day, then a bottle should go quickly, and won’t need any special attention.