4 Benefits of Drinking Olive Oil Before Bed
Extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO, is all the rage. It is a key ingredient that has long been used in the Mediterranean diet, which is currently perceived as being the best diet in the world.
Using extra virgin olive oil in one’s daily meals has proven to have a long list of health benefits, so much so that recent studies suggest that drinking olive oil can be very beneficial for your health.
Specifically, researchers have found that having the extra virgin olive oil before you sleep may be the wisest time of day to have it.
So, what are the health benefits of drinking olive oil before you go to sleep?
Drinking EVOO will help increase your healthy fats levels
Among the many health benefits of drinking olive oil is that it will help you get the right fats every day. Although many of us may assume that we get plenty of fat and that, in fact, drinking more of it will do no good for our diet, that would be wrong.
In fact, many of us tend to fall short on the polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, of which we should all be getting for at least 25% of our diet.
These types of fatty acids are particularly good for reducing one’s risk of heart disease.
Therefore, drinking EVOO before you go to bed should allow your body to carefully digest and readjust.
These kinds of fatty acids can also be found in certain nuts, seeds, and other plant-based products. However, instead of risking acid reflux, drink EVOO instead.
Drinking EVOO can reduce your risk of getting heart disease
Over the years, multiple studies have shown that olive oil can help maintain your heart health, and yes, can thus reduce your risk of heart disease.
Mediterranean people who follow a Mediterranean diet ( which includes a relatively high daily of olive oil ) have a far lower chance of having heart disease.
In fact, research has shown that having olive oil every day is better for your heart than having a non-fat diet.
As much as low-fat diets have been popularised over the years, it is essential to understand that the body needs a healthy, daily intake of good fat; even mixed in with general fat could be good.
However, in order for you to truly reap the benefits of the olive oil, you will need to pay attention to the recommended daily amount so as to not overdo it on the fat, which could put you at risk. If you don’t take enough EVOO, be sure to take a small dose before bed.
Taking extra virgin olive oil before bed can help you sleep better
It is quite common for those with a Mediterranean diet to drink olive oil before bed, as they believe that it will help them sleep better.
Why? Well, by drinking olive oil at night, you can help your body gain that good feeling of being full without having to eat so late, or so much.
Research shows that having heavy meals before sleep could impede its quality as your digestive system has to work harder to deal with the food as you lay down, thus sometimes causing discomfort and keeping you awake.
Studies have found that it is much better to have rich, lighter meals at night, and heartier meals in the morning, to keep your body running on good energy throughout the day.
However, no one likes going to bed on an empty stomach, and olive oil can be a quick, healthy, and natural way of making your body feel full without having to have a full meal.
Taking extra virgin olive oil before bed can help with inflammation
One of the best health benefits of olive oil is definitely its anti-inflammatory properties. Did you know that drinking EVOO before bed could help keep certain pains at bay?
Everyone has experienced inflammation at some point or another, for which medication such as Ibuprofen has proven to relieve some of the stress and pain.
However, a more natural and proven method of reducing inflammation is by drinking olive oil.
Although drinking the olive oil will not have the same immediate effect nor pain relief as Ibuprofen, olive oil could be a great way of keeping certain genes and proteins that fuel inflammation at bay.
These genes and proteins can lead to diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, obesity, cancer, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Drinking Olive Oil Help With Insomnia?
As it is anti-inflammatory, can make you feel like your stomach is full, and can even help balance blood sugar levels, olive oil may indeed help with insomnia.
Although there has been no specific successful study to prove that having olive oil as a drink at night can help you to sleep better, enough people over the years have sworn by olive oil’s seemingly magical health properties to at least consider it.
Can You Drink Olive Oil Straight?
Although you may drink olive oil straight, you may find that it does not have the best taste on its own and could momentarily make you feel unwell. It might take a while to get used to.
How Much Olive Oil Should You Drink a Day?
The amount of olive oil that you should be eating in your food every day depends on your body, age, and any existing health conditions. Generally speaking, about four tablespoons of quality olive oil a day can help. Always ask a doctor if you’re not sure.
What Happens if You Drink Olive Oil Every Day?
Eating quality olive oil with your food or drinking it every day may help to keep your heart healthy, help you reach your healthy fat levels every day, balance your high blood sugar levels, improve your skin quality, reduce your risks of disease, maintain your weight, help with weight loss – the benefits are ongoing.
Summary
The good effects that come from having a rich intake of quality olive oil every day largely outweigh the cons.
The amount that you can healthily take will be what best determines the good effects that it has on your stomach, your heart, and your overall health.
If you are unsure about the amount of olive oil that you should take every day, consult your doctor before committing to this new change, to get the best results.
Want to know how drinking Olive oil in the morning is beneficial to your body? Readmore articles to know.
