Healthy Tips

January 8, 2012

Use Olive Oil in Your Daily Diet

Use Olive Oil in Your Daily Diet - Maybe the Greeks were on to something thousands of years ago when they considered olive oil “liquid gold.” Research has shown that using olive oil in your daily diet can cut your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Here are a few ways you can incorporate olive oil into your diet.

• Substitute Olive Oil for Butter– Olive oil can be readily substituted in most dishes where margarine or butter is used for frying. However, keep in mind that extra virgin olive oil breaks down and starts to smoke faster than regular olive oil. If you plan to fry food use regular olive oil instead. Use the conversions below to substitute your next dish.

• Dipping Oil – Olive oil and bread are a match made in heaven. Not only does olive oil taste good, but it slows down the digestion of bread, preventing a surge in blood sugar that refined carbohydrates would otherwise produce. Between meals eat bread and oil as a snack to help curb your appetite and provide sustainable energy.
• Sandwiches, Ice cream and Olive Oil – Every one knows to use olive oil over salad, but what you may not know is that you can also use it on sandwiches. Next time you make a sandwich substitute mayonnaise and mustard for a little extra virgin olive oil. Some people love olive oil so much that they will drizzle it over desserts and ice cream. Try it. You may love it!

Olive oil is a cornerstone to the Mediterranean diet which is associated with slower eating and smaller portions. Studies have shown that people who eat a Mediterranean diet have a variety of health benefits. Olive Oil contains poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats that help to keep your heart healthy and lower disease risk. Exercise along with an olive oil based diet will help you improve your health and lower your risk of developing diabetes, hypertension and stroke.

The contents on this page are not intended to offer medical advice. Never disregard the advice from your physician. You should speak with your doctor with any question you have regarding your health. If you don’t have a doctor, let us help you make an appointment.

Additional Resources:

Olive Oil for Weight Loss

How Olive Oil Fits a Healthy Lifestyle  

Olive Oil Basics 

BKCreative - Tablespoon of olive oil a day