What are the functions of olive oil?

In fact, olive oil has a very high health-care effect. It can help us promote blood circulation, and it has a good preventive and therapeutic effect on diseases such as hypertension and heart disease. It can also improve the digestive system and protect the skin.

1. Promote blood circulation

Olive oil can prevent arteriosclerosis and its complications, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, kidney failure, and cerebral hemorrhage. In the book "Omega Health: The Simple and Easy Plan for Longevity" written by Dr. Artemis Simopoulos, it is mentioned that the omega-6 fatty acids in cooking oil will cause the arteries to constrict, thereby forcing the heart to work overload and causing high blood pressure. The omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil increase the amount of nitric oxide, an important chemical that relaxes your arteries, thereby preventing arterial damage caused by high blood pressure. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids can prevent the formation of blood clots in two ways. First, it can reduce the viscosity of platelets, making it difficult for platelets and fibrinogen to entangle together; second, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the amount of fibrinogen, which greatly reduces the chance of thrombosis.

2. Improve digestive system function

Olive oil contains more unsaturated fatty acids than any other vegetable oil, rich vitamins A, D, E, F, K and fat-soluble vitamins such as carotene and antioxidants, and does not contain cholesterol, so its digestion and absorption rate by the human body is extremely high. It has the function of reducing gastric acid, preventing the occurrence of diseases such as gastritis and duodenal ulcers; it can also stimulate bile secretion, activate the activity of pancreatic enzymes, degrade fats and be absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, so as to reduce the occurrence of cholecystitis and gallstones. It also has a laxative effect, and long-term consumption can effectively relieve constipation.

3. Protect your skin

Olive oil is rich in squalene and essential fatty acids, which have excellent affinity with the skin. It is quickly absorbed and effectively maintains skin elasticity and moisture. The rich monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamins E, K, A, D and phenolic antioxidants in olive oil can eliminate facial wrinkles, prevent skin aging, and have the effects of skin care, hair care, and preventing and treating chapped hands and feet. It is a beauty and skin care product that can be "edible". In addition, applying olive oil to the skin can fight ultraviolet rays and prevent skin cancer.