Olive oil is a healthy product that is used not only in cooking. This type of oil is in demand in cosmetology. It is not uncommon for nutritionists to turn to olive oil. In addition, experts note a number of medicinal properties that the product possesses. However, olive oil, if used improperly or excessively, can be harmful to health.
Despite the fact that many nutritionists recommend eating olive oil, it is not at all as harmless for the figure as it might seem. The fact is that this product is very, very high in calories. A small spoon alone will contain up to 150 calories, which is extremely high. Therefore, it is not recommended to frequently and abundantly use olive oil in food. Experts advise to eat no more than 2 tablespoons of the product per day. In addition, the harm of olive oil lies in the fact that it is very rich in various fats. With the correct dosage, these components have a positive effect on health, but an excessive enthusiasm for olive oil will cause a set of extra pounds.
Olive oil, which has been on the shelf for a long time, even if the package has not been opened, becomes very harmful and even dangerous. A product that has been aged for more than two years is transformed into a poisonous substance. The use of such oil in food can result in allergies and poisoning. You should also avoid heat exposure, because under the influence of high temperatures (or sunlight) in olive oil, almost all nutrients are destroyed, and some of them become completely toxic.
Excessive consumption of olive oil damages digestion. Like any other variety of a similar product, olive oil has a laxative effect. For people whose body is, in principle, prone to diarrhea, this product may be absolutely contraindicated. Certain harm of olive oil to the gallbladder has been noted. It has a choleretic property, therefore, for persons who have stones in the gallbladder or who have inflammatory processes in this organ, it is better to refrain from introducing this oil into their diet.
Olive oil helps the pancreas, effectively lowers blood sugar levels, therefore it is often advised to include it in the menu for people suffering from diabetes. But there is also a certain danger here. The fact is that this olive product cannot be used together with medications necessary to stabilize well-being in diabetes. Olive oil enhances their effect on the body, which can result in an excessive drop in glucose levels.
Other health benefits of olive oil
- This product is capable of very strongly lowering blood pressure, therefore it must be eaten with extreme caution by people with hypotension.
- Olive oil, due to its fat content, creates a strong load on the entire gastrointestinal tract.
- In some cases, the product causes an allergic reaction. You should also not use olive oil for individual intolerance, otherwise the harm to the body will be very significant.
- If there is a lot of olive oil, you can face a kind of "overdose": headache and dizziness, weakness and lethargy, drowsiness, abdominal discomfort, nausea appear.
- Do not combine this oil with foods that have a laxative effect. Otherwise, you can cause very severe diarrhea. For the same reason, it is not recommended to consume olive oil on an empty stomach.
