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Greeks and other Mediterranean people consume much more olive oil than other European countries. As well, they have the lowest rate of cardiovascular diseases. Cancer statistics look also far better in those countries. According to the World Health Organization, the Greek woman’s life expectancy is 84 and man’s – 79. Studies show that one of the Greek longevity reasons is the benefits of drinking Kalamata olive oil daily.
For example, a person in Kalamata consumes 30 liters of Kalamata olive oil per year, which is half a liter for a typical European. So let’s talk together about the health benefits of drinking Kalamata olive oil first thing in the morning on a daily basis.
What are these 7 Benefits of Drinking Kalamata Olive Oil Every Day?
Olive oil is rich in the most important antioxidant vitamin E. In fact, scientists have proven in their research that antioxidants vitamin E and polyphenol-rich olive oil prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer. As well, olive oil contains antioxidant polyphenols that protect blood lipids from oxidative stress and is amazing for human health and metabolism.
Many of our vital processes can not exist without fat. Especially, Omega 6 and Omega 3 are essential fatty acids. Their imbalance in favor of Omega 6 is associated with inflammatory diseases. Meanwhile, Kalamata olive oil is dominated by Omega 3 which has its ability to fight inflammatory processes in the body.
Here’s what happens if you start drinking Kalamata olive oil every morning on an empty stomach.
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Improves brain activity
It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are very beneficial to the brain. The lipids found in olive oil nurture the neurological pathways in the brain. In other words, it helps you think faster and better.
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Take care of your heart
If you eat too often red meat, grilled food or cheese when you run the risk of clogging your arteries. Meanwhile, the fat you get from olive oil improves heart function and deflates the arteries.
It is advisable to consume olive oil with dark green vegetables such as kale. Because it produces a nitro fatty acid which reduces inflammation and relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation.
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Improves digestion
If you often suffer from constipation, a tablespoon of olive oil and sufficient fluid intake daily will solve it. Without a doubt, olive oil is like a lubricant to the digestive tract and makes it easier for food to pass through the intestines. However, the daily olive oil intake should be monitored, as large amounts of this fat can cause diarrhea.
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Help lose weight
No matter how controversial it may sound, healthy fat can help lose weight. Absolutely Kalamata olive oil is one of them. By using it regularly, the body works more efficiently, absorbs the best nutrition from food and dissolves fat excess.
Apart from this, studies also show that olive oil consumption increases the amount of good cholesterol, which is also beneficial for losing weight.
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Restores the beauty of skin, nails, and hair
Vitamin E (tocopherol) has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. When you buy luxury cosmetic products, you will notice that it always emphasizes vitamin E. And olive oil is its greatest source. So, using enough food oil and applying it to your skin can achieve a great result – healthy and glowing skin.
Overall, you can drink good quality Kalamata olive oil daily or apply on the face and hands instead of the cream. It is also suitable for face masks.
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Relieves pain
Some studies state that olive oil is a good pain-reliever and works as aspirin or ibuprofen. To clarify, it contains an enzyme called oleocanthal, which reduces inflammation and relieves pain. In fact, a tablespoon of olive oil contains only 10 percent of the dose of ibuprofen. As a result, it may not alleviate acute headaches, but daily intake of olive oil may reduce inflammatory reactions and chronic pain.
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Helps delay aging
Kalamata olive oil contains polyphenols, antioxidants that delay aging processes. Such as olive oil reduces wrinkles and senescence, slows cell aging.
How Good is to Drink a Tablespoon of Kalamata Olive Oil First Thing in the Morning?
The habit of drinking Kalamata olive oil in the morning helps to lubricate the entire digestive system, activate metabolism, clear the liver of toxins. It greatly helps those suffering from constipation, prevents stone formation in bile, activates bile and pancreatic activity. Besides, drinking olive oil in the morning also helps with weight loss.
In addition, recent research lead by Doug Mashek, Professor in Molecular Biology and Biophysics, discovered that olive oil may hold the key to improving lifespan and mitigating aging-related diseases.
But you need to monitor your body and to assess how it responds to olive oil intake daily. What works for one individual may not work for another.
What is the Best Way to Drink Kalamata Olive Oil in the Morning?
Mix 2 tablespoons of good quality Kalamata olive oil with lemon juice (a quarter of a lemon) if you want to achieve maximum results. And drink this mix first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Fact
Mediterranean people consume 50-60 milliliters (3-4 tbsps) of olive oil daily, diluted with lemon juice.
How to choose the Best Olive Oil to Drink?
The best olive oil to drink is unfiltered cold-pressed olive juice made from olive fruits crushed to a paste consistency and compressed. Such olive oil is named as extra virgin olive oil.
For instance, one of the best olive oil known worldwide is PDO Kalamata. It is made from exclusive Kalamata olives “Koroneiki” grown in the Kalamata region of southern Greece. For instance, PDO Kalamata olive oil is traditionally pressed from hand-picked dark olives with a light, slightly grassy astringent taste with green apple aftertaste, hints of almonds, figs, and tree bark. PDO certificate, it guarantees the defined way of olives pressing process and high quality of active ingredients.
Our Oliviada Extra Virgin Olive Oil is 100% unfiltered, unblended, pure olive juice. Most importantly, Oliviada olive oil is produced by a local Greek family by using traditional extraction methods and focusing on high-quality products. If you want to improve your own health and beauty, start using Oliviada high-quality products:
As well, read more on How to Check if Olive Oil is Good Quality at Home?
What is the Beneficial Daily Intake of Kalamata Olive Oil?
The minimum recommended daily olive oil intake should be 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil. In fact, 1 tablespoon contains about 120 kilocalories. No matter olive oil is very high in calories, I’d better give up half a burger or 2 glasses of cocoa, which will count the same amount of calories. Because when you eat a healthy, balanced diet, it is not the calorie amount that matters, but the nutritional value.
For example, nutritionists advise: if you eat 70 percent plant food and 30 percent animal food, you can safely consume a tablespoon of quality olive oil at every meal. As a result, it will help you absorb all the vitamins in your vegetables. With this in mind, note that high-quality fat is not converted into the body fat, but it is converted into energy and heat in our body. Unlike carbohydrates (sugars, starches, and fibers found in fruits, grains, and vegetables) that turn into body fat.
What are the Side Effects of Drinking Kalamata Olive Oil? Can Everyone Drink an Olive Oil?
You should not worry about using good quality olive oil in moderation. Therefore the excessive olive oil amount can cause diarrhea.
In addition, olive oil is very rich in calories – 1 tablespoon contains about 120 kilocalories. For this reason, unreasonably high olive oil consumption may cause a weight gain if you do not exercise on a regular basis.
Always remember, if you have problems with your blood pressure and are taking your medication, be sure to talk to your doctor prior to changing your diet.
Conclusion
Summarise all the above, a quality Kalamata olive oil is a healthy fat that contains anti-inflammatory compounds. The benefits of drinking Kalamata olive oil regularly may improve your heart, bone, and digestive health and help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
In short, one shot of Kalamata olive oil with lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach may increase well-being and keeps a doctor away!
Find out more about Greek Olives and Olive Oil
Kalamata Olive Oil Health Benefits
Kalamata Olives are the New Superfood
Greek Olive Oil Nutrition Facts and Calories
What is a Mediterranean Diet Menu?
Healthy Mediterranean Style Side Dishes
Hi, I’m Vangelis Kleftogiannis, the founder of Oliviada and an established olive oil expert from Kalamata, Greece. My expertise isn’t just in producing quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, but also in the cultivation and care of olive trees themselves. I am deeply committed to sharing my knowledge and know-how, helping others understand the intricacies of olive tree growing and the creation of quality olive oil.