Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Lowers the Risk of Multiple Chronic Diseases Olive oil contains heart healthy monounsaturated fats and polyphenol antioxidants linked with better heart and metabolic health.
“Including olive oil in the diet has been linked to improved heart health and reduced risk of certain types of cancers, as well as promoting satiety [fullness] and overall digestive health,” says says Emma Laing, PhD, RDN, the director of dietetics at the University of Georgia in Athens.
One caveat: Although olive oil has benefits for gut health, claims that it can help reduce bloating are anecdotal. “It might work for some people, but not everyone,” Laing notes.
“This is because we all don’t have the same eating pattern, nor do we have the same factors that also influence digestion — like stress, hormonal fluctuations, medications, food intolerances, and physical activity patterns.”
Health Benefits of Lemon Juice
Evidence suggests that the nutrients in lemons may help support heart, immune, and skin health when consumed as part of a balanced diet — with research linking citrus fruits to reduced oxidative stress and lower risk factors for heart disease.
The juice from just one lemon can provide a substantial proportion of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which plays a key role in immune system function, collagen production, wound healing, and protecting cells against oxidative damage. It also helps boost benefits of other nutrients, as well.
“Vitamin C also helps improve the absorption of iron in the diet, particularly from plant-based sources,” Laing adds. “Adding a few drops of lemon juice to water can support hydration by improving taste, and it can be used in sweet and savory dishes as a low-sodium flavor enhancer, as well as in salad dressings and marinades.”
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