by Gayle A. Alleman

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Alleman, Gayle A.  "Health Benefits of Olive Oil."  27 December 2006.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/the-health-benefits-of-olive-oil-ga.htm>  07 September 2008.

Inside this Article

  1. Health Benefits of Olive Oil Overview
  2. Olive Oil Health Basics
  3. Heart Benefits From Olive Oil
  1. Inflammation Benefits From Olive Oil
  2. Cancer Benefits From Olive Oil
  3. Diabetes Benefits From Olive Oil
  4. See more »
    1. Weight-Loss Benefits From Olive Oil
    2. See all Food & Lifestyle articles
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Diabetes Benefits From Olive Oil

People living with diabetes have to work hard to keep their blood sugar, also called blood glucose, levels under control. One way to do so is to eat a diet that is fairly low in carbohydrates. Because people with diabetes are also at an elevated risk of developing heart disease, they are advised to limit their intake of dietary fat.

People with diabetes must keep constant watch of their blood sugar level.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
People with diabetes must keep constant watch on their blood sugar level.

Lately, researchers and nutritionists have been debating the best type of eating pattern for people with diabetes. Some research indicates that a diet high in monounsaturated fat may be better than a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet.

Marvelous Polyphenols
Polyphenols are advantageous not only to human health but also to the health of the olive. Phenolic compounds protect the olive, prevent oxidation of its oil, and allow it to stay in good condition longer. In addition, they increase the shelf life of olive oil and contribute to its tart flavor.

Numerous studies have suggested that people with diabetes who consume a diet high in monounsaturated fat have the same level of control over blood sugar levels as those who eat a low-fat diabetic diet. But monounsaturated fat also helps keep triglyceride levels in check, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and increase HDL cholesterol levels.

Researchers in Spain published an article in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in September 2003 that concluded calorie-controlled diabetic diets high in monounsaturated fat do not cause weight gain and are more pleasing to eat than low-fat diets. The researchers determined that a diet high in monounsaturated fat is a good idea for people with diabetes.

Research is still inconsistent as to whether monounsaturated fat actually plays a role in stabilizing blood glucose levels, but evidence is leaning in that direction. A review of a number of studies, which was done by German researchers and appeared in the official journal of the German Diabetes Association, found that blood glucose levels were lower in people who ate a diet rich in monounsaturated fat than in people who ate a low-fat diet.

Further, they said increasing monounsaturated-fat intake lowered LDL cholesterol levels in some, though not all, subjects.

People trying to control their weight can benefit from olive oil, too. Find out how on the next page.

To learn more about the topics covered on this article, check out the links below:
 This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

Inside this Article

  1. Health Benefits of Olive Oil Overview
  2. Olive Oil Health Basics
  3. Heart Benefits From Olive Oil
  4. Inflammation Benefits From Olive Oil
  1. Cancer Benefits From Olive Oil
  2. Diabetes Benefits From Olive Oil
  3. Weight-Loss Benefits From Olive Oil
  4. See all Food & Lifestyle articles

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