Olive Oil for Weight Loss
Olive oil continues to get the recognition it deserves as part of a healthy diet. Recent research from Beloit College in Wisconsin, reported that taking 1 tablespoon per day, can help those trying to lose weight, by shedding a pound per week.
Olive oil comes from the olive tree (Olea europaena) and is a traditional Mediterranean crop. It has been a staple for thousands of years and its healthy benefits are making it popular the world over.
How it Works for Weight Loss:
- as a good fat -Olive oil, a good fat, has been shown to burn off three times faster than bad fats, like the trans fats found in our commercial food products.
- oleic acid content -The oleic acid in olive oil is the component believed to give it the fat-fighting benefits. The fatty acid helps fat tissues stop absorbing fat from blood cells. It also aids the fat cells by secreting stored fat into the bloodstream so it can be burned off.
- oleic acid conversion -During digestion, oleic acid converts to OEA, a hunger-fighting hormone. OEA stimulates nerve cells and tells the brain you are full.
- increases metabolism - Researchers have found that women who had olive oil at breakfast boosted metabolism by 60% more than women who skipped the oil. It is believed that olive oil burns hot and fast - creating a metabolic boost.
Researchers in the study recommend taking a tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil:
According to the Mayo Clinic, olive oil is a healthy choice in fats. It contains monounsaturated fat which can lower the bad (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that about 2 tablespoons per day (23 grams) may reduce the risk of heart disease.
What kind to buy:
The least processed are the 'extra-virgin' or 'virgin' olive oils. These are the most heart healthy as they contain the highest levels of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that promotes a healthy heart.
Olive oil is also known as a healthy raw fat (see link to raw fats). Raw fats are healthiest in their most natural state. Rather than cooking with, olive oil can be drizzled over salads, in soups, or over other foods.
See links below for raw fats, other healthy oils, and healthy eating suggestions.
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