7 Reasons to Have a Spoonful of Olive Oil First Thing in the Morning

Most of us use olive oil as a cooking and dipping oil, but in fact drinking it will allow you to get the maximum benefit. It is known for its positive effects on the heart, but the wonders it can do for your body go far beyond that.

We at Bright Side understand that the idea of having a tablespoon of oil on an empty stomach may not sound very appealing, but it has so many amazing effects on your body, it’s worth giving it a try.

1. It transforms your skin.

Olive oil is an essential ingredient in many cosmetic products, and it can benefit your skin as part of your diet too. It reduces redness and swelling, and may keep your face wrinkle free for longer. Olive oil has powerful antibacterial properties and serves as natural disinfectant.

2. It may help you lose weight.

Many studies have shown that following a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, has a positive effect on body weight. More than 180 people participated in a 3-year study that proved eating olive oil helped them to lose weight.

3. It’s good for your brain.

Eating olive oil regularly helps to remove a buildup of plaques inside your brain cells. These plaques may cause Alzheimer’s disease, the most common mental illness in the world. People who regularly eat olive oil have a better memory than those who maintain a low-fat diet.

4. It supports your bone health.

Trace elements in olive oil can benefit people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. This works better when combined with fish oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Compounds found in extra virgin olive oil improve handgrip strength, joint pain, and morning stiffness that are caused by arthritis.

5. It reduces inflammation.

Enriching your diet with olive oil and other foods with omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation in the body. This, in turn, may help prevent or heal various skin conditions caused by inflammation.

6. It’s good for your gut health.

Some types of bacteria that live in your stomach can cause stomach ulcers. Olive oil has been proven to fight damaging bacteria, some of which are resistant to antibiotics. Just 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil a day can kill harmful bacteria in as little as 14 days.

7. It controls your blood sugar.

Extra virgin olive oil could be the secret to lowering blood glucose. It protects your body against type 2 diabetes, and may reduce its risk by over 40%.

Is olive oil already a part of your diet? Have you noticed how it affects your body?