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12 Benefits of Olive Oil Infographic from Organicsbahrain.com |
Olive oil contains about 74% monounsaturated fat (MUFAs). MUFAs are considered the healthiest type of fat. Other excellent sources of MUFAs include nuts, seeds, avocados, sunflower, canola, peanut, sesame and certain other vegetable oils.
MUFAs provide nutrients to help develop and maintain the body's cells. They are also typically high in Vitamin E, an antioxidant vitamin which many Americans and westerners need more of.
Olive oil also contains two important polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs): Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-3 are thought to be particularly beneficial to health. Excellent sources of Omega-3 include flax, hemp and mustard seeds, flaxseed oil, walnut oil, canola oil and fish oil.
Because of the high content of healthy fats and naturally occurring antioxidants in olive oil, the use of olive oil in moderation and instead of trans and saturated fats has been linked to many health benefits, as this infographic illustrates:
✿ Heart Health
✿ Blood Pressure
✿ Bone Health
✿ Type II Diabetes
✿ Skin Cancer
✿ Colon Cancer
✿ Digestion
✿ Obesity
✿ Earache Relief
✿ Skin Health
✿ Hair Care
✿ Depression
In order to get the maximum benefits from olive and other healthy oils, it is important to learn and understand how to shop, store, use and cook each type of oil. The links below provide helpful guides and information on this subject.
Related:
Healthy Fats - Cooking and Storing
Healthy Oils (Includes Smoke Points)
Benefits of Vegetable Oils
Fats: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Fat Facts
Infographic Source and more information at: OrganicsBahrain.com