Olive Oil and Its Effects on Human Health

Introduction and Aims Olive oil is one of the important parts of Mediterranean diet. It is considered as unique edible for a single unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), pleasant flavor, good stability and special effects of well-being. According to compounds found in olive oil and its impact on human health, this study was conducted to investigate the effect olive oil on Human health. Materials and Methods In this study, to access the available studies, searching was carried out in valid scientific databases using the key words Olive Oil, Mediterranean diet, and a total of 76 articles were selected and evaluated. Results Olive oil contains sterol, phenol compounds and A and E vitamins with useful effects on body and significant reduction of cardiovascular diseases. Olive oil also contributes on chronic diseases prevention such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, oxidation, aging and memory decline. Conclusion Substituting olive oil instead of other edible ones may protect people against chronic diseases. * Corresponding Author: Urmia University, Faculty of Agriculture. E-mail: Fayegh.molodi@yahoo.co