Switch to Olive Oil During Monsoons

Anyone coming from the Mediterranean region of the world would tell you about the health benefits, as well as the wonderful flavor, of a good dose of olive oil on salads, pasta, fish and almost anything else. Fortunately, it is available throughout the year to satisfy taste buds and promote good health. Come monsoons and there’s a change all around you. The temperature drops, the humidity goes up, and it’s a great season for bacteria and viruses to thrive. Moisture content in the weather also increases the perishability of your food. Here are some diet don’t s for this season to make sure you have a smooth sail through the monsoon.

• Extra virgin varieties of olive oil are believed to offer the greatest health benefits all throughout the year.
• Olive oil bolsters the immune system against external attacks from microorganisms, bacteria or viruses. The fatty acids in olive oil are good allies in lowering important immunological parameters. Since the spread of bacteria and viruses is on a high during monsoons, the use of olive oil is best during this time of the year.
• Use Olive oil instead of heavier oils like peanut oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, and skip the sour sauces and dips. Hot drinks and fries are an all time favorite during monsoons. Contrary to popular belief, olive oil is ideal for deep and shallow frying, in fact it is more suitable than other oils and fats.
• Extra Virgin olive oil as your main source of dietary fat, combined with a high intake of plant food, may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• When part of a healthy diet, moderate amounts of olive oil may help to reduce excess body fat, especially around the abdomen.
• Olive oil contains a wide variety of antioxidants that are not found in other oils.
• The addition of olive oil to a diet that is not changed in any other way has a lowering effect on blood pressure.