Olive oil can be an important part of a healthy diet. The benefits of the good fats in olive oil extend from heart health to pre- and post-natal development. Here are 10 olive oil health benefits to consider:

1. It can lower your risk of heart disease: Mayo Clinic doctors advise that the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in olive oil can help keep heart disease at bay by lowering your overall cholesterol.

2. Better blood clotting: The MUFAs in olive oil help with normal blood clotting.

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3. Keep your blood sugar low: The International Olive Council claims a diet high in olive oil can actually prevent the kind of blood sugar problems that can cause diabetes. Olive oil can also be an important part of a good diet for the treatment of diabetes.

4. May prevent memory problems: A May 2015 article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed older people who ate a diet high in olive oil experienced a higher level of brain power over time. Participants in the study were given about 1 liter of olive oil a week.

5. Lowers blood pressure: A 2000 report published in JAMA showed that high usage of olive oil can reduce a patient’s need for blood pressure medication.

6. Boosts Immunity: The fatty acids in olive oil can help the body fight off viruses and bacteria. The International Olive Council says people with autoimmune disorders can be helped by eating a diet rich in olive oil.

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7. Helps alleviate rheumatoid arthritis: Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate the pain of rheumatoid arthritis as well as the risk of developing the disease.

8. Better breast milk: Olive oil helps a mother maintain high levels of vitamin E in breast milk. Olive Oil Times reports that breast milk and olive oil have similar fat contents and linoleic acid needed for good brain and nerve development.

9. Could counteract heavy metal poisoning: A 2015 study in the Food and Chemical Toxicity Journal showed that olive oil had the potential to keep human cells from accumulating mercury.

10. Can make your hair beautiful: MD Health reports olive oil can make hair soft and shiny as well as preventing problems like hair loss. Olive oil is also supposedly a deterrent to lice and dandruff.

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