Used raw for seasoning, it is an excellent ally for the body's health. Find out why with the help of a nutritionist
THE'extra virgin olive oil is the main food of the Mediterranean diet. It has always been considered the healthiest condiment. That's why it should be one of the most used ingredients in the kitchen to season raw, second and side dishes raw. It has a fruity taste that is excellent for giving a special flavor even to salads. Alone, or together with vinegar or lemon juice, it is the ideal dressing to flavor without the need to use other types of condiments, such as sauces, butter or yogurt. Plus, it's a real natural supplement. "It ensures good fats, vitamins and antioxidants that are good for your health and prevent many diseases. From cardio-circulatory to cancer ones , explains nutritionist Nicoletta Bocchino. To get the maximum of its benefits the ideal is to choose the one cold pressed. "It is more rich in nutritional and organoleptic properties", adds the expert. To preserve them at their best, it is always necessary to keep them in the dark-colored glass bottle sealed and kept in cool places. "Heat can cause oxidation and therefore rancidity of the product," suggests nutritionist Bocchino. Another suggestion is to pay attention to the quantities that are consumed. «To benefit from all its virtues it is better to limit yourself to 2-3 tablespoons a day. Extra virgin olive oil has a high caloric intake: a spoon contains about 90 calories, "warns the expert.
Keeps heart and arteries healthy
Extra virgin olive oil helps reduce the risk of experiencing cardiovascular disease. "It is rich in valuable antioxidants, including polyphenols that help reduce the accumulation of triglycerides and bad cholesterol in the blood, responsible for heart attacks and strokes. They also favor the "good" levels, "explains the expert. It also contains many "beneficial" fats for the health of the heart and arteries. «It ensures good quantities of Omega 3 and Omega 6, which have an anti-inflammatory action. They regulate blood pressure and promote the proper functioning of the circulation, "says nutritionist Bocchino.
Protects the brain
The essential fatty acids of which extra virgin olive oil is particularly rich are also good for the brain. "They act like real" anti-rust "substances on neurons, brain cells. They prevent degeneration and promote cognitive functions ", explains the expert.
Fights aging
Extra virgin olive oil is an excellent anti-aging oil. «It brings a great variety of antioxidants that block the harmful action of free radicals, responsible for the aging of tissues. It is rich, in particular, in vitamin E and polyphenols. These substances have a real protective action on the organism ", concludes the expert.
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