Olive Oil Nutrition Facts

Get the skinny on a health choice with these olive oil nutrition facts. Olive oil is an oil that is made from olives. It is commonly used in cooking and has many health benefits.

1. Good source of monounsaturated fats. Studies have shown that a higher proportion of monounsaturated fats can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
2. Has favorable effects on cholesterol. Studies show that olive oil helps with LDL cholesterol oxidation.
3. Certain types can benefit the heart. Forms of olive oil that are not very processed, such as extra virgin or virgin olive oil contains more polypenols, which is good for heart health.
4. Reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Olive oil increases elasticity in the arterial walls that helps reduce vascular stress.
5. Less saturated fat than other oils. Diets high in saturated fats can be linked to many health problems. Olive oil has less than half the saturated fat than vegetable shorting.
6. Displaces omega-6 fatty acid. Olive oil helps to build a more healthy balance between omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats.
7. Known to lower blood sugar. Olive oil helps lower blood sugar because of its lower levels of saturated fats.
8. Can possibly reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Olive oil has shown to be a chemopreventive agent that might reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Olive oil has shown that it can reduce oxidative damage to DNA and RNA, which might be an important factor in preventing cancer.
9. Can possibly help with peptic ulcers. Much like with gastric cancer, studies have also shown that adding olive oil to your diet might help with peptic ulcers.
10. Store properly to ensure health benefits. Since olive oil is an unsaturated oil it is prone to becoming rancid. Olive oil should be stored so that it is protected from heat and light.