30 January 2024 , 13:30
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When it comes to shifting those pesky pounds, many people turn to calorie counting or fad diets - but one health expert has urged Brits to take a shot of olive oil.
The kitchen cupboard essential is often used for pan frying or sautéing food, but sports nutritionist Abigail Roberts has recommended taking the oil daily to blast weight. The fitness guru, from Bulk.com, explained that the ingredient has weight-loss benefits because it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
Abigail added: "These are known to help with weight loss by increasing your metabolism, reducing your appetite, and reducing your body fat." She then referenced a study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which found that participants who were given extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) lost 80 percent more body fat than the control group who did not consume EVOO.
The nutritionist added: "In the long-term, olive oil continues to have positive effects on the body and keep the weight off or stable. If you don’t want to shot it on its own, you can choose to incorporate it into a meal of your choice. For example, drizzle onto an eggs and avocado dish or a lunchtime salad."
"Whilst there is no research to support whether it should be taken on an empty stomach, it is important to be aware that eating or drinking excessive amounts of oil at once can make you feel a bit nauseous." This comes as TV host Ryan Seacrest recently announced that he takes a shot of olive oil in the morning every day.
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"I find that that actually helps with weight loss and helps with your inflammation, helps with all the different systems in your body," he said. Abigail suggests starting with one shot of olive oil for 30-days.
The superfood boasts healthy fatty acids, which can have significant benefits on skin and hair health. Abigail said: "It is also rich in antioxidants and skin-friendly lipids that can help address skin concerns like dryness or rough-feeling skin.
"Whilst many people will spend a fair amount of money on skin creams and hair masks, they tend to forget about their diet. What we put inside our bodies is just as important as what we put on the outside."
Research by Harvard has shown that the Mediterranean Diet, which is rich in olive oil, can support cognitive function and dementia risk. "This is because the polyphenols in olive oil act also as a natural painkiller and can even work better than ibuprofen," explained the expert.
What’s more, studies have confirmed the effectiveness of olive oil in controlling morning inflammatory pain of phalanges and knees among women with rheumatoid arthritis. Abigail concluded: "When you drink olive oil daily, something extraordinary can happen to you. olive oil, particularly extra-virgin olive oil, is one of the biggest superfoods.
"It is packed with antioxidant compounds, like vitamin E, oleacein, and oleocanthal. As well as compounds called polyphenols, which are phenomenal for your hair, skin, joints, and weight." Shoppers can bag EVOO from ASDA for £2.80 for a 250ml bottle - equivalent to 28p for one shot.