7 reasons to eat a spoonful of olive oil first thing in the morning

Most of us use olive oil as a cooking and salad oil, but actually consuming it will allow you to get the most out of it. It is known for its positive effects on the heart, but the wonders it can do for your body go far beyond that.

We at Pictolic understand that the idea of eating a tablespoon of butter on an empty stomach may not sound like much, but it has so many amazing effects on your body that it's worth a try.

7 PHOTOS

1. Transforms your skin.

Olive oil is an important ingredient in many beauty products and can also benefit your skin as part of your diet. It reduces redness and swelling and also allows you to keep your face wrinkle-free longer. Olive oil has powerful antibacterial properties and serves as a natural disinfectant.

2. It can help you lose weight.

Many studies have shown that eating a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil has a positive effect on body weight. More than 180 people took part in a three-year study that proved that drinking olive oil helped them lose weight.

3. It's good for your brain.

Regular consumption of olive oil helps to remove plaque buildup inside brain cells. These plaques can cause Alzheimer's disease, the most common mental illness in the world. People who consume olive oil regularly have a better memory than those who follow a low-fat diet.

4. Supports healthy bones.

The micronutrients in olive oil may benefit people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It works best when combined with fish oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Compounds found in extra virgin olive oil improve grip strength, and reduce joint pain and morning stiffness caused by arthritis.

5. Reduces inflammation.

Enriching your diet with olive oil and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation in the body. This, in turn, can help prevent or treat various skin conditions caused by inflammation.

6. It's good for gut health.

Some types of bacteria that live in the stomach can cause stomach ulcers. Olive oil has been proven to fight harmful bacteria, some of which are resistant to antibiotics. Just 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil per day can kill harmful bacteria in just 14 days.

7. It controls blood sugar levels.

Extra virgin olive oil may be the secret to lowering blood glucose levels. It protects your body from type 2 diabetes and can reduce its risk by more than 40%.