Shots Of Olive Oil: The New Health Boost?
You’ve probably heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what about a shot glass of olive oil?
We are all aware of olive oil’s health benefits and while most people consume it by cooking or adding it as a topping to other dishes, knocking back a quick daily dose of olive oil in a shot glass is just as efficient and effective in capturing its benefits.
If you are willing to open your mind to the possibilities, read on to see how you can fill those dusty shot glasses in your cabinet with something that actually benefits your body.
Who is Drinking Olive Oil?
Many top celebrities swear by it and say taking a shot of olive oil is essential to their health routine. Kourtney Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Kelly Clarkson, and Beyonce have all admitted to drinking olive oil straight from the bottle of the finest pressed extra virgin vintages around.
Which Olive Oil to Drink?
When choosing olive oil for health benefits it is important to select extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil contains higher levels of healthy fats and antioxidants than refined olive oils and thus provides the most health benefits. To ensure you’re getting the best possible olive oil, look for Deoleo brands which are transparent about when, how and where their olive oil was produced.
How to Drink Olive Oil?
Firstly, get out those old shot glasses. Consuming the FDA-recommended two tablespoons of olive oil per day should be enough to get the benefits without causing upset stomachs.
While you can drink olive oil any time of day, many people claim that they prefer to do so first thing in the morning before anything else. Be careful to listen to your body, however, as certain individuals may experience discomfort if they eat something too fatty or acidic on an empty tummy. If you find that eating olive oil on an empty tummy doesn’t agree with your body right when you wake up, try mixing it into a breakfast smoothie.
Improves Brain Function and Prevents Strokes
Strokes occur when blood flow to your brain is interrupted and disturbed because of blood clots or bleeding. According to an extensive survey covering about 841,000 people, it is concluded that olive oil is the only source of monounsaturated fatty acids with a reduced risk of cardiovascular problems and strokes.
- Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Virgin oil is immensely nutritious and contains a significant amount of vitamins E and K making it a powerful antioxidant. These substances reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, fight inflammation and optimize your blood cholesterol levels.
- Controls Blood Sugar and Prevents Diabetes
Drinking olive oil reduces the glycaemic response to food rich in sugars. It helps to prevent the chances of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- Reduces Inflammation and Arthritis
Olive oil comprises monounsaturated fats such as oleic acid, which reduces inflammation helps people suffering from arthritis and swelling in joints.
- Improves Digestion and Relieves Constipation
Drinking virgin olive oil tends to lubricate the intestinal tract and several studies show it acts as a stool softener. Olive oil promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and helps reduce the production of gastric juice which aids in preventing unhealthy weight gain.
- Healthier Skin and Hair
Olive oil’s dense nutrition in vitamins E and K play a significant role in nourishing your skin and hair.
Bottom Line. Rather, Bottoms Up!
If you already like olive oil and can’t be sure that you’re getting a good dose through other daily consumption, two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil a day is a no-brainer. Try one shot in the morning and see where the day takes you.
For those who can’t quite get into the mood of chasing down pure oil, there are alternatives. If you already cook with olive oil daily, you may already get the recommended amount of the good stuff coating your food. And even if you don’t cook, depending on your diet, olive oil can be easily added to recipes for non-cooked food, like salads and smoothies