Olive Oil in your daily diet
It is essential for any diet to contain levels of fatty acids and these are contained in olive oil in the form of alpha linoleic acid and linoleic acid which are also known by their respective names of Omega 3 and Omega 6. For those whose nutrition intake is poor then the inclusion of these vital nutrients can be assisted by an intake of olive oil.
However, there are many types and levels of fatty acids found in olive oil some are essential and some are not. The greatest levels of non-essential fatty acid is known by its generic term omega 9 or Oleic acid and makes up to almost three quarters of the olive oil fats. The purpose of this non-essential fatty acid is to that it acts as an anti-oxidant and protects genetic structures in the body and acts as a defence against toxins to cell membranes.
The soft structure of healthy cells allow for the intake of nutrients and the release of hormones and proteins into the body. If the structure of the cell membrane compromised or damaged then nutrient intake would be hampered thus creating problems for the release of those hormones and proteins that enable the body to function properly.
For those concerned with keeping cholesterol levels low they should consider olive oil as an alternative to other fats as it does not contain any amount of cholesterol at all. Though olive oil does contain some saturated fat called palmitoleic acid, or omega-7, the levels are very low and only comprise a tenth of the fatty acids.
Protection from damage to arteries and stem cells can be found in certain anti-oxidants and anti inflammatories, known as tyrosol and hyroxityrosol which are contained in phenolic substances. So, although saturated fats are usually known to increase levels of cholesterol that is not the case in those contained in olive oil.
Other anti-oxidants contained in olive oil are derived from vitamin E and are known as tocopherols and beta-carotene. Olive oil also contains magnesium in the form of chlorophyll, which is found in all green plants and is the reason why olive oil has its distinctive colour. It is known to be beneficial to those who suffer from coronary related diseases as it contains high levels of magnesium, which is often found to be lacking in those people.
Healthy tissues rely on the efficient delivery of oxygen. Squalene is a substance contained in olive oil that assists in the delivery of oxygen to the body’s organs and also assists in the blocking of cholesterol intake
from certain foods. The facts about olive oil should prove to be a convincing enough argument for you to include it into your daily diet.
olive oil in the daily diet
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