Virgin Olive Oil
Extensive use of extra virgin olive oil has been shown to raise testosterone levels in men. Olive oil has a great fat ratios (73% MUFAs, 14% SFAs, 13% PUFAs). Olive oil is anti-inflammatory and is very high in antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil is mechanically pressed (you may see the term cold pressed) rather than being produced by chemical means.
Fats are one of three macro-nutrients essential to human life. We wouldn’t be able to absorb vitamins A, D, E or K without fat in our diets. Healthy fats, such as extra virgin olive oil, can help you fight stress, improve mood swings, decrease mental fatigue and can actually help you manage your weight. A diet of nutrient dense foods as the main source of calories helps to improve satiety (feeling full) which prevents snacking on nutrient poor sugary foods that can lead to overeating.
The Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet incorporates olive oil in almost everything. The health benefits of following a Mediterranean diet, backed by numerous studies, include prevention of metabolic diseases and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blood pressure
Extra virgin olive oil has shown to help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Testosterone
Looking specifically at testosterone, olive oil also raises the concentration of the body's own antioxidants in the Leydig cells, which produce testosterone. A diet that is rich in olive oil helps the cells to absorb more cholesterol. There is a strong relationship between diet, the amount of free cholesterol in the Leydig cells and testosterone levels. The Leydig cells make testosterone from cholesterol.
