Linking Olive Oil Consumption to Lowered Risk of Death from Four Significant Health Dangers
Swapping out regular oils for the Mediterranean favorite, olive oil, is more than just a heart-healthy choice. Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health proves that this golden liquid provides protection far beyond our arteries.
Known for its health benefits for centuries, olive oil has been found to:
- Reduce the risk of blood clots, thanks to its impact on platelet activity in the blood[1].
- Pair beautifully with dark chocolate, acting as kryptonite for heart disease[2].
- Deliver potent antioxidants that protect not only our heart but our blood vessel health, even when heated[2].
- Support overall health, with studies showing its benefits for everything from pancreatitis to diabetes[1].
- Even aid in reducing issues of erectile dysfunction[1].
But the heart benefits aren't the whole story. Researchers from Harvard followed 92,000+ participants for over 28 years, and found that just seven grams, or about half a tablespoon, of olive oil per day can significantly lower the risk of dying due to heart disease, as well as reducing the risks of numerous other conditions such as respiratory and neurological diseases[1].
In fact, the researchers discovered that those in the highest consumption category had a:
- 19 percent lower risk of cardiovascular mortality
- 29 percent lower risk of neurodegenerative mortality
- 17 percent lower risk of cancer mortality
- 18 percent lower risk of respiratory mortality
To sum it up, a small amount of olive oil can offer huge benefits, including reducing the risks of heart disease, various other health conditions, and even premature death.
Want to take it a step further? Here are some additional tips for heart health:
- Add more fish to your diet - omega-3s found in fish have been shown to reduce heart disease risk[3]. Krill oil is a cleaner option for those concerned about mercury and contaminants in fish oil.
- Stay active - exercise strengthens your heart, even in the face of less-than-ideal genetics[3].
- Be mindful of your saturated fats - while some saturated fats increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, others may offer heart health benefits[3].
- Increase your flavonoids - these potent antioxidants found in fruits like apples, blueberries, and grapes, as well as teas, have been found to reduce the risk of death due to heart disease[4].
Looking to upgrade your olive oil game? Embrace the rare, fresh-pressed variety for maximum taste, quality, and health benefits! Learn more here.
Editor's Note: Beyond heart health, olive oil has been linked to improved cognitive health, weight management, and possibly reduced mortality from cancer and other chronic diseases[1][3][4].
Sources:
[1] Higher olive oil intake associated with lower risk of CVD mortality - ScienceDaily[3] Heart Disease Facts - CDC[4] Association of Dietary Fats With Total Mortality in Women - JAMA Internal Medicine[5] Olive Oil and Health: A Review - Nutrients[6] The Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Health - Annual Review of Nutrition[7] The Impact of Olive Oil on Obesity and Weight Management - Frontiers in Nutrition and Metabolism
- The health benefits of olive oil extend beyond heart health, as it has been linked to improved cognitive health, weight management, and possibly reduced mortality from cancer and other chronic diseases.
- nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining health, and adding more flavonoid-rich foods like apples, blueberries, grapes, and teas to your diet can help reduce the risk of death due to heart disease.
- In addition to its heart-healthy properties, science continues to uncover the various therapies and treatments that olive oil can offer, like kryptonite for heart disease, as well as support for managing conditions like pancreatitis and diabetes.
