Benefit of Olive Oil

Research has shown that olive oil full of monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFA's, that help raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. It's one of the basic ingredients in the Mediterranean diet that has helped people in those regions have much lower than average levels of heart disease and cancer.

In addition, it is also a potent antioxidant that helps scavenge and wipe out health-destroying free radicals that can lead to cancer. In fact, olive oil has been shown to protect the cells of the colon, prostate and uterine endometrium from cancerous changes.

If that weren't enough, it also help normalize blood sugar levels which benefits diabetics. Cold pressed extra virgin olive oils are the best types to use as they contain the most nutrients. Cheaper "pure" oils do not have the same amount of nutrients.