Adding this golden liquid to your dishes can give your body an impressive nutritional boost.
Olive oil is one of the most common cooking oils worldwide.
It is cherished for its rich flavor and impressive health benefits.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
It also offers a surprising boost of antioxidants and plant compounds that may support overall health in various ways.
), you may experience some noteworthy benefits.
And this article will help you understand all about them.
Thesehealthy fats help reduce inflammationand may positively influence blood cholesterol levels, supporting your heart health.
Note that the results also suggested a positive effect when people included nuts in their diet.
While the PREDIMED diet is an older study from 2018, it remains a landmark study worth mentioning.
Other data suggests a similar link betweenfollowing the Mediterranean diet, which features olive oil, and heart-health benefits.
May Support Your Bone Health
Consuming olive oil may positively impact your bone health.
Additionally, olive oil may reduce the risk of fatal dementia.
These properties may also lead to a decrease in CRP, a key marker of inflammation, she adds.
There are also phenolic compounds that include phytosterols, tocopherols, lignans and flavonoids.
Enright adds that olive oil should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and heat.
Because of this, she advises never leaving olive oil near a window or directly next to a stove.
She also recommends never leaving olive oil uncovered for long periods.
Exposing olive oil to air can also lead to oxidation.
Iyer explains that olive oil should be tightly sealed each time it is used to prevent oxidation.
Oxidation can affect the oils flavor and speed up its aging toward rancidity.
Use olive oil within a few months of opening for the best flavor.
Smell it frequently to ensure it still has the fresh grassy aroma, Iyer adds.
But if you want to eat it with food, here are five ways to consider.
Drizzle over Salads
Adding olive oil to salads enhances both flavor and nutritional value.
Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil helps increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from leafy greens and vegetables.
Try ourItalian Salad Dressingfor a salad addition with a burst of olive oilbased flavor.
Use in Cooking
Cooking with olive oil is a heart-healthy way to prepare meals.
Olive oil can withstand medium-heat cooking methods, such as sauteing.
Its flavorful profile enhances the taste of dishes, reducing the need for additional salt or butter.
It provides a savory alternative to butter or cream-based spreads, reducing saturated fat intake.
Paired with herbs, olive oil can be a gourmet addition to a meal.
Add to Your Latte
Starbucks was onto something when theylaunched their olive oil-infused lattes.
Just note it maymake you poop, so plan accordingly!
For a quick and delicious olive oilforward pasta dish, try ourPasta al Limone.
The Bottom Line
Adding olive oil to your dishes is a low-lift way to support your health.
So, go ahead and embrace this versatile ingredientyour taste buds and body will thank you!
Its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants may protect cells from oxidative stress and damage.
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