Is A Spoonful Of Olive Oil A Day Good For You?
Yes, a spoonful of olive oil a day may not seem like much, but it can have a big impact on your health.
Long-term data, dating back to 1990, shows that eating more than 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil per day lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease by 15 percent and the risk of coronary heart disease by 21 percent.
Additionally, olive oil can help you lose weight
In one study, participants who ate a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil for eight weeks lost more weight and body fat than those who followed the same diet without olive oil.
Sure, olive oil is healthy.
It’s packed with monounsaturated fats, which have been linked with lowering bad cholesterol and protecting heart health.
But does that mean you should start downing spoonfuls of the stuff?
Turns out, there may be some benefits to doing just that.
Check out: Weight Loss Benefits of Olive Oil.
A 2013 study published in the journal Obesity found that among a group of participants who were put on a low-calorie diet, those who consumed two tablespoons of olive oil a day lost more weight and body fat than those who didn’t consume any olive oil.
Additionally, the olive oil group also had greater improvements in blood sugar control and lower blood pressure levels.
So if you’re looking to lose weight and improve your overall health, adding a spoonful of olive oil to your daily routine may be a good place to start.
Just make sure to choose extra-virgin olive oil, which is the highest quality and has the most antioxidants.
Here is the best olive oil to cook with.
Olive oil also helps with blood sugar
As anyone who has ever dealt with blood sugar issues knows, spikes and drops in blood sugar levels can be a real pain.
Not only do they cause energy levels to swings wildly, but they can also lead to cravings and weight gain.
However, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil can help to slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
As a result, olive oil can help to prevent blood sugar levels from rising too quickly after a meal.
In addition, olive oil also helps to increase insulin sensitivity, which further helps to keep blood sugar levels under control.
So if you’re looking for a way to stabilization your blood sugar levels, reach for the olive oil the next time you’re in the kitchen.
Don’t forget to check out our Olive Oil FAQ.