Olive: Uses and Risks
Olives are a fruit that grow on an evergreen tree. Olive oil is an important food in the Mediterranean diet. This eating style has been linked to better health and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
Olive leaves have also been used historically in the Middle East as an herbal treatment for various health problems. But there is very little scientific evidence supporting its use.
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People use olive oil to try to prevent or treat:
Heart disease. Olive oil can help lower LDL "bad" cholesterol and maintain levels of HDL "good" cholesterol. It may also help slow the development of plaque in your heart's arteries.
Research suggests that olive oil may protect against heart disease. Death rates from coronary heart disease are low in countries where people use olive oil as their main source of fat. One study found that people who ate the most olive oil had a lower risk of a first heart attack compared to those who ate the least.
Strokes. A 2011 study found that older people who frequently used olive oil had a 41% lower risk of stroke than those who never used it.
Blood Pressure: In one study of people with high blood pressure, a diet heavy in extra-virgin olive oil -- along with slightly lower saturated fat -- lessened the need for blood pressure medicine.
Cancer. Components of olive oil called phenolics may help inhibit cancer in several ways. For example, they may:
Lab tests have found anti-cancer effects from several types of phenolics in olive oil.
Some people also use olive leaf to try to treat infections. Research has shown that olive leaf extract may inhibit bacteria and fungi. It may also work against viruses and act as an antioxidant. Still, there is very little evidence supporting the use of olive leaf extracts, compared with the many studies supporting the consumption of olive oil and its effect on health.
Experts recommend getting 25% to 35% of your daily calories from fat, including oil. Most should be in the form of monounsaturated fat such as olive oil.
Optimal doses of olive leaf have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it hard to set a standard dose.
Olive leaves have also been used historically in the Middle East as an herbal treatment for various health problems. But there is very little scientific evidence supporting its use.
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Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly pear cactus grows in hot, sunny climates, like the southwest U.S. and Mexico.People eat the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. It's also a traditional remedy for diabetes.
Read the Prickly Pear Cactus article > >
Why do people use olive?
People use olive oil to try to prevent or treat:
Heart disease. Olive oil can help lower LDL "bad" cholesterol and maintain levels of HDL "good" cholesterol. It may also help slow the development of plaque in your heart's arteries.
Research suggests that olive oil may protect against heart disease. Death rates from coronary heart disease are low in countries where people use olive oil as their main source of fat. One study found that people who ate the most olive oil had a lower risk of a first heart attack compared to those who ate the least.
Strokes. A 2011 study found that older people who frequently used olive oil had a 41% lower risk of stroke than those who never used it.
Blood Pressure: In one study of people with high blood pressure, a diet heavy in extra-virgin olive oil -- along with slightly lower saturated fat -- lessened the need for blood pressure medicine.
Cancer. Components of olive oil called phenolics may help inhibit cancer in several ways. For example, they may:
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Act as an antioxidant (nutrient that helps repair cell damage)
- Lead to the death of cancer cells
Lab tests have found anti-cancer effects from several types of phenolics in olive oil.
Some people also use olive leaf to try to treat infections. Research has shown that olive leaf extract may inhibit bacteria and fungi. It may also work against viruses and act as an antioxidant. Still, there is very little evidence supporting the use of olive leaf extracts, compared with the many studies supporting the consumption of olive oil and its effect on health.
Experts recommend getting 25% to 35% of your daily calories from fat, including oil. Most should be in the form of monounsaturated fat such as olive oil.
Optimal doses of olive leaf have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it hard to set a standard dose.
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