Can Olive Oil Make You Live Longer?

My boyfriend is from Spain, and when he goes home to Madrid, I beg him to bring me back multiple pints of his country's greatest treasure: olive oil.

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By Stephanie Cornwell, Editorial Assistant My boyfriend is from Spain, and when he goes home to Madrid, I beg him to bring me back multiple pints of his country's greatest treasure: olive oil.   I remember reading a satire in The New Yorker about Europeans in which cyclists were said to take shots of olive oil at the finish line of the tour de France. It reminded me of my boyfriend, who starts every day with bread soaked in olive oil; and of his dad, who keeps a bowl of olives next to his fork at every meal.   They might be onto something. Today's Top Story Can Olive Oil Help You Live Longer? A recent study suggests that people who eat more olive oil are less likely to die an early death.   The oil from olives helps reduce the risk of death from health conditions like cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes.   You don't need to take shots of olive oil or pour it on everything to get the benefits.   Researchers found that people who reported consuming more than 0.5 tablespoons (7 grams) of olive oil per day had a 19% lower risk of dying early from any health condition compared to those who didn't consume as much or no olive oil.   Other fats, like butter, margarine, mayonnaise, and dairy fats, contain saturated fats, which aren't as healthy as oleic acid, the primary fatty acid in olive oil.   While it's widely accepted that olive oil is a healthy source of fat, it's important to note some potential limitations. The results were self-reported, and many of the subjects already lived healthy lifestyles, which could have helped decrease the risk of early death. Know More There is some confusion on whether or not we should cook with olive oil because of its lower smoking point. When the oil reaches this point, it starts to break down and give off potentially harmful compounds. But experts say it rarely reaches that point. The antioxidants from extra virgin olive oil soak into vegetables during cooking, making them even healthier! Feel Better You don't have to go to Spain to get the benefits of olive oil, and there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your diet: drizzle it on your salad, cook your vegetables in it, or use it as a base for a marinade. READ MORE How Long Will You Test Positive for COVID-19? If you get COVID, you could test positive for several weeks and not be infectious. It depends on the type of test you took. PCR tests are more sensitive than rapid antigen tests, so they will likely read positive for a longer period after your symptoms have cleared. If you test positive, you do not need to test again. Follow the CDC's recommendations to protect those around you. READ MORE Why Is Everyone Talking About Intuitive Eating Lately? Intuitive eating is not new, but with social media's negative impact on people's body image, the anti-diet and body-positive approach to health has attracted new followers. Intuitive eating revolves around listening to what your body needs. It teaches you to follow your instincts by following these 10 guidelines. If you or someone you know is experiencing disordered eating, visit the National Eating Disorders Helpline website, or call or text 800) 931-2237. READ MORE     In an interview with Verywell, Elysia Cartlidge, RD, a registered dietitian, suggests adding olive oil into your daily diet. To reap the full benefits of this nutritious oil, it's recommended that olive oil be used frequently in cooking and meal preparation. Elysia Cartlidge, RD, A registered dietitian and the owner of Haute & Healthy Living   In Other News   ■ Art Should Be a Habit, Not a Luxury. The Atlantic     ■ 'Jeopardy!' Hasn't Had a Player Like Amy Schneider. The New York Times     ■ Was It So Wrong to Pass On My Brother's Diagnosis Without His Consent? The Guardian More From Verywell What Is EMDR Therapy? READ MORE Loss of Taste and Smell: What to Know READ MORE Food Poisoning vs. Stomach Flu: What Are the Differences? READ MORE   How'd we do? If you have any feedback, send us a note at   feedback@verywell.com.       You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Verywell Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 verywellhealth.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy