Most of us use olive oil as a cooking and dipping oil, but in fact drinking it will allow you to get the maximum benefit. It is known for its positive effects on the heart, but the wonders it can do for your body go far beyond that.
We at Bright Side understand that the idea of having a tablespoon of oil on an empty stomach may not sound very appealing, but it has so many amazing effects on your body, it’s worth giving it a try.
1) It transforms your skin.
Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin K, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Since extra virgin olive oil boasts higher nutrient content than standard olive oil, drinking it each day is an excellent way to replenish damaged skin and hair.
Olive oil is packed with healthy vitamins, fats, and antioxidants, and these components can contribute to healthier-looking skin. It moisturizes skin by locking in moisture, and its antioxidants can help to improve signs of aging. Currently, we know of the following skin benefits of olive oil: Moisturizes skin.
2) It may help you lose weight.
Olive oil is packed with mono-unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids along with keeping your heart healthy and blood sugar levels stable also help assist weight loss. It promotes the feeling of satiety, which prevents you from bingeing on other refined or trans-fat sources laden with empty calories.
3) It supports your bone health.
Olive oil may help to strengthen the bones, a study has shown. Evidence of the effect emerged from a study of men consuming an olive oil-rich Mediterranean diet. Their blood was found to contain boosted levels of osteocalcin, a marker of healthy bone formation. Compounds found in extra virgin olive oil improve handgrip strength, joint pain, and morning stiffness that are caused by arthritis.
4) It reduces inflammation
Extra-virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation, which may be one of the main reasons for its health benefits. The main anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by the antioxidants. Key among them is oleocanthal, which has been shown to work similarly to ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug
5) It’s good for your gut health
Olive oil is a healthy fat that contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Drinking it regularly may benefit your heart, bone, and digestive health and help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
Extra-virgin olive oil affects the gut microbiota by reducing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria, and increasing the production of microbially produced short-chain fatty acids, which exert a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects and can modulate the expression.