Olive Oil for Health

Olive Oil and Healthy Eating [video]

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Many health conditions can be prevented or even improved through a good diet. Heart disease, diabetes and inflammation are common health issues that lead to increased risk of stroke, heart attack, cancer and arthritis.

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Some common recommendations to help avoid or improve these issues are controlling cholesterol and sodium intake, limiting saturated and trans fat consumption, and avoiding over-consumption of Omega-6 fatty acids to improve the balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3s in the body. Both the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association recommend consuming heart-healthy monounsaturated fats which are also the key source of fat in the acclaimed Mediterranean Diet. Of all the common cooking oils used in North America, olive oils contain the highest percentage of monounsaturated fat! The key is to always consider the big picture and incorporate olive oil as a replacement for less-healthy fats whenever possible.

Saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol are associated with foods like butter, margarine, lard and coconut oil. Substituting olive oil for butter or margarine in recipes will reduce both saturated fat and cholesterol. And, you use less olive oil, which cuts calories too! Remember to use extra virgin olive oil for the most flavor and olive oil to avoid changing the flavor – this even works for baking, especially when the recipe calls for melted butter. Just use this handy conversion chart.

Consuming salad greens and vegetables along with a monounsaturated fat such as olive oil actually increases the body’s absorption of total nutrients as shown in one 2012 study.[1] A tasty option to consider is this Vegetable Frittata, which is made without any butter and also includes a wealth of vegetables to start your day off well.

Another instigator of heart disease, cancers and inflammation-related conditions is excessive consumption of Omega-6 and a high Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio. A healthy diet including fish, nuts, herbs and vegetables can help increase Omega-3s, and Omega-6s can be reduced by avoiding vegetable oils like corn, sunflower, peanut and soybean. Olive oil, which is primarily oleic acid (Omega 9) can be substituted for vegetable oils in any recipe using the same amount. This Day Boat Cod with Olive Oil Melted Tomatoes and Orange Fennel Salad contains a great mix of heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory ingredients – and tastes fabulous too!

All good things can be enjoyed in moderation, especially when simple substitutions for more healthful choices become part of your regular routine. You can feel good about choosing olive oil as the primary fat in your cooking and at the same time savor food that tastes great!