The topic of “healthy fats” is a bit like the topic of “healthy debt”, some people say there’s no such thing, it’s just a question of what’s least bad, other people say that some fats can have health benefits, you just need to use them appropriately. Olive oil is often used by both sides as an example which makes their point.
The case for olive oil
Scientists have long been taking an interest in the Mediterranean diet in general and olive oil in particular and there is evidence that olive oil has a beneficial effect on blood pressure. It is certainly rich in oleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties and it is also rich in antioxidants. This can be beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain.
The case against olive oil
For all its good qualities, at the end of the day, olive oil is still an oil, in other words, a fat and most of us get enough fat in our diets already without adding any more.
The happy medium?
Both sides have fair points about olive oil. It does have beneficial properties, but it also has the potential to contribute to obesity and hence needs to be consumed as part of a properly balanced diet and combined with an appropriate amount of exercise.
The right way to eat olive oil
You might think that the right way to eat olive oil is just to consume it in moderation and in a way which is appropriately balanced with the other main food groups. This is certainly a good place to start, but there seems to be more to it than that.
A study suggests that the health benefits of olive oil are maximised when they are combined with other foods which are rich in antioxidants. The good news is that red wine vinegar is also loaded with antioxidants which means that the classic dressing of extra virgin olive oil plus red wine vinegar is a great combination for your health, especially your heart health.
The trick is to drizzle, not pour, it over foods such as green, leafy vegetables and colourful vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. This may not be enough for a meal on its own, you’ll probably want some carbohydrates such as pasta and perhaps some protein such as egg, but it’s a good place to start.
Olive oil on the outside
Science has now placed olive oil in the category of “affordable superfoods”, but the beauty community has long been praising its usefulness, especially as a moisturiser. You’ll find numerous modern beauty products contain olive oil, sometimes even as the headline ingredient, but there are lots of options for making your own at home too.
