To live a healthy life with a reduced risk of cancers and heart disease, one can take inspiration from countries with a high age expectancy. Numerous studies and proof indicate a Mediterranean diet can hold many health benefits including boosting longevity. The key ingredient in the diet is olive oil and could be the answer you have been searching for.
A study published in Science Direct looked at how olive oil consumed on a Mediterranean diet may help to extend one’s life.
Lead author of the study, Dr Doug Mashek suggests that it is the fat in olive oil, another component of the Mediterranean diet, that is actually activating this pathway.
Dr Mashek said: “We found that the way this fat works is it first has to get stored in microscopic things called lipid droplets, which is how our cells store fat.
“And then, when the fat is broken down during exercising or fasting, for example, is when the signalling and beneficial effects are realized.”
READ MORE: Best supplements for men: Take this to reduce cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s risk
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, can help lower blood pressure, strengthen bones and prevent heart disease.
According to another study by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the benefits of a Mediterranean diet including olive oil was investigated.
The study conducted a randomised trial to support the benefits of the Mediterranean dietary pattern to increase life expectancy, reduce the risk of major chronic disease, and improve quality of life and well-being.
The study noted the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, total mortality, here failure and disability.
DON’T MISS
Hair loss treatment: An oil which strengthens keratin to promote and increase hair growth [TIPS]
How to live longer: Popular tea which reduces mortality rate by a third to boost longevity [TIPS]
How to lose visceral fat – the common exercise that could get rid of belly fat [TIPS]
There are two things that these women have in common. They lived past the age of 120 and both have attributed their longevity and youthfulness to olive oil.
For centuries, olive oil has been highly regarded for its nutritional, medicinal and cosmetic value.
Health expert’s advice sipping two tablespoons of quality extra virgin olive oil daily.
This practice may help increase arterial elasticity and decrease vascular stress to the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
Sipping a little olive oil daily can help control blood pressure levels and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Oleocanthal, the phytonutrient in olive oil, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence.
It has also been demonstrated that olive oil has an effect in preventing the formation of blood clots and platelet aggregation.
By avoiding excessive blood coagulation, diets rich in olive oil can reduce the effect of fatty foods in encouraging blood clot formation, thus contributing to the low incidence of heart failure.
Consuming olive oil helps to bolster the immune system against external attacks from microorganisms, bacteria or viruses all aiding in boosting longevity.
Cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra said: “A diet high in vegetables, olive oil, oily fish and nuts is most beneficial for heart health.
“Reducing consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugar is particularly beneficial for those with and at risk of type 2 diabetes.
“As far as butter is concerned its cardiovascular effects are neutral, with some suggestion that full-fat dairy may protect against type 2 diabetes.”
Source: Read Full Article