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Olive oil has been used for centuries by ancient civilizations and even Hippocrates, the great Greek physician, extolled the benefits of olive oil for its therapeutic properties.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been scientifically proven to prevent heart disease in numerous ways that include reducing levels of the bad LDL cholesterol, lowering total cholesterol, improving the function of the blood vessel linings, preventing abnormal clotting of blood and even lowering high blood pressure!
This healthy oil also enhances the absorption of calcium which can prevent conditions like osteoporosis. It is also used to prevent gall bladder disease since it boosts the flow of bile.
Olive oil contains vitamins E, K, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids as well as other nutrients that make it a key component of the Candida diet because of the following reasons:
Olive oil has antifungal properties
Olive oil contains a compound known as oleuropein which has antifungal properties. A study even found that ozonized olive oil inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, C. glabrate and C. krusei (1). This property makes it useful for controlling infections caused by this yeast.
Olive oil reduces inflammation
The benefits of olive oil also include the ability to reduce inflammation (2). This effect is attributed to its components known as oleic acid and oleocanthal which have anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil also contains omega 3 fatty acids which also reduce inflammation in the body. This makes it useful for managing Candida overgrowth since this condition is associated with chronic inflammation in the body.
Consuming olive oil can also prevent Candida colonization since inflammation in the intestines contributes to the leaky gut syndrome that helps Candida cross into the blood from the gut.
Olive oil also contains chemicals known as polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants (3). It is also a good source of vitamin E which is another potent antioxidant. These antioxidants help reduce the hazardous effects of inflammation in the body.
Olive oil regulates blood sugar
A study found that a Mediterranean diet, of which olive oil is a key ingredient, may help prevent diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity (4). By aiding the regulation of blood glucose levels, olive oil plays an important role in controlling Candida in diabetics since the yeasts feed on sugar.
Olive oil kills bacteria
Additional health benefits of olive oil include its ability to kill bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (5) which is linked to dyspepsia, ulcers and GERD or acid reflux. This natural oil was even shown to kill strains that were resistant to antibiotics.
By controlling the population of H. pylori, olive oil can reduce acid reflux which is one of the symptoms that develops as a result of Candida infection.
Olive oil boosts the immune system
The oleuropein found in olive oil stimulates the immune system to respond to Candida. This makes it very beneficial for controlling it especially in persons with immune suppression since they are more prone to developing Candida infections.
Olive oil reduces constipation
Olive oil has been used as a laxative for years. It is therefore useful for relieving the constipation that develops in some persons with Candida overgrowth.
Reaping the benefits of olive oil
To reap these Candida healing benefits ensure that you buy extra virgin olive oil which has a quality-control seal that signifies it has not been mixed with inferior or refined olive oil.
Use the EVOO to make salad dressings by mixing it with herbs and spices with antifungal properties like garlic, sage and oregano (6) since this will help prevent the Candida from adapting to it.
You can also use EVOO for cooking since its monounsaturated fatty acids are quite resistant to heat. For more recipes click here.
Avoiding the side effects of olive oil
Olive oil is generally safe but it is high in calories because each teaspoon contains 40 calories while a tablespoon has a whopping 120 calories. However a study found that consuming a lot of olive oil by following a Mediterranean food pattern is not associated with higher weight gain or a significantly increased risk of becoming overweight or obese (7).
Therefore take the suggested 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil each day as part of a balanced food plan including fresh vegetables and organic meats.
Now check out these 15 Candida Diet superfoods that will boost your system and multiply the benefits of the diet naturally!
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2 Comments
Hi there
Just wondering besides cooking how can you ingest olive oil – is it a tablespoon a day before meals or just having it in your diet which improves it? I’ve recently been reading up on oil pulling and wondered if you had a similar article related to this on olive oil.
Thanks!
Hi Lindsay! Thanks for the comment…Olive oil is commonly used as a supplement in conjunction with a mediterranean diet where it is used heavily in cooking vegetables and on salads. Outside of cooking with it I would need to do some research on that but I will add it to the list for a future article! Thanks again! ~W