Easily Get All Your Essential Fatty Acids with Olive Oil
In the quest for essential fatty acids and omega-3, many people scramble to find the right supplement. This is all well and good, but what most people don't realize is that they can get all the essential fatty acids for optimum health simply by increasing their daily intake of delicious olive oil. Learn how to skip taking another pill and eat healthy, tasty food to boost your health.
Olive oil studies
During the CARDIO2000 case-control study published in Clinical Cardiology, researchers studied 700 men and 148 women with coronary heart disease. The study took into consideration alcohol intake, physical activity, smoking habits, and nutritional habits. The use of oils in daily cooking and preparation of meals was also evaluated.
At the conclusion of the study, those participants who used olive oil exclusively had a 47% lower chance of having coronary heart disease. The researchers noted however, this only occurred with the exclusive use of olive oil. If other oils were consumed, no protection was seen.
The researchers concluded, "Exclusive use of olive oil during food preparation seems to offer significant protection against coronary heart disease, irrespective of various clinical, lifestyle and other characteristics of the participants."
Tips for adding essential fatty acids to your diet with olive oil
Based on this study and many others like it, we know essential fatty acids are a major player in lowering the risk of heart disease, but how do you add essential fatty acids in your diet to get these results?
-- Buy olive oil in dark, opaque containers to preserve nutrients.
-- Add olive oil to your food immediately after cooking to preserve the essential fatty acids and not destroy them with high heat.
-- Skip the butter at the dinner table. Instead, serve small condiment dishes with olive oil used for adding to potatoes, vegetables, and breads. Add balsamic vinegar and favorite spices to the oil for added flavor.
-- Steam your vegetables or stir-fry and add olive oil for flavor after cooking.
-- Make salad dressing with olive oil.
-- Make a healthy, tasty dip by pureeing beans, olive oil, and garlic together.
-- Steam potatoes, then mash with olive oil and garlic for a healthy version of an old favorite.
Do yourself a favor. Get the healthiest and most beneficial essential fatty acids by adding olive oil to your diet. Your waistline and your heart will thank you.
