Olive oil: a universally enjoyed ingredient. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this golden liquid has been cherished for thousands of years. Olive oil is not only a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, but has also found its way into kitchens worldwide. Whether you're drizzling it over salads, sautéing vegetables, or marinating meats, olive oil adds a delightful depth of flavor. Its versatility in the kitchen knows no bounds!
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And now, it seems it is breaking out of the realm of cooking - and simply being consumed as a shot! Here's everything you need to know about this trend.
Loved by celebrities
Several celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Kelly Clarkson take shots of olive oil before they go on stage. They claim it helps them preserve their vocal cords before a big show, though Selena has said that it is not necessarily an enjoyable experience. To give a bit of context, it was actually British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver who introduced olive oil to mainstream cooking in the UK and has been championing its use ever since.
Here's why you should give it a go
1. Healthy fats: Olive oil is rich in monosaturated fat which is why several celebrities take shots of olive oil before they go on stage. Monosaturated fat is the healthy kind of fat the human body needs. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, if you consume 2 tablespoons of olive oil per day it could reduce your chances of heart disease.
2. Healthy skin and hair: Olive oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E that help improve your skin's condition and prevent ageing and wrinkles. Not only that, but it's also very good for the health of your hair. It helps keeps your roots and ends moisturised throughout the day.
3. Reduce inflammation: Since olive oil is rich with monosaturated fats like Oleic acid, it helps reduce inflammation. The high level of antioxidants also helps prevent the cholesterols from oxidising. When cholesterols are oxidised, carcinogenic health problems could occur.
4. Helps with weight loss: Olive oil is a staple ingredient for Mediterranean diets where it is consumed in almost every meal and most of the people who take part in this trend consume at least a quarter cup of olive oil in the morning. Olive oil helps slow the absorption of other nutrients and it will help you feel full so you aren't overindulging on sweets. There was a study conducted by Mary M. Flynn and Steven E. Reinert in Journal of Women's Health that stated people who consumed an olive oil-rich diet lost about 80% more weight than people who consumed a normal low-fat diet.
5. Fights cancer cells: Drinking olive oil helps fight off cancer cells. The compound Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is found in olive oil. Furthermore, olive oil is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins that will combat the toxins trapped in your body.
So, would you give it a go? If you feel a bit unsure about drinking the oil straight up, you can try combining it in a smoothie or 'chasing' it with a meal. Don't knock it until you try it!
Check out the video above to find out more about the benefits of olive oil!
Read more:
⋙ These 5 'healthy' foods are actually harmful to your health
⋙ This is the exact number of coffees you should drink a day in order to stay healthy
⋙ Meghan Markle eats these foods every day to help her keep fit and healthy
Sources used:
Pub Med:Comparing an olive oil-enriched diet to a standard lower-fat diet for weight loss in breast cancer survivors: a pilot study
People: Selena Gomez Has an 'Awful' Pre-Concert Ritual
