Olive Oil Linked to Reduced Risk of Dying Early

Olive oil is a crucial contributor to healthy eating that Mediterranean diets offer. Now the latest research shows that adults who consumed a little more than a half-teaspoon of olive oil each day had a reduced chance of dying early compared to those who rarely or never consumed olive oil, according to research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Using olive oil in your cooking instead of butter, margarine, or other saturated fats reduces early death from many health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and Alzheimer's.

The researchers say the observational nature of the study does not prove olive oil reduces your death of early death. Still, olive oil does have anti-inflammatory properties that could explain their findings. 

Olive Oil Just One Part of the Equation

Dr. Howard LeWine, Editor in Chief of Harvard's Men's Health Watch, says that olive oil is not the only health aspect of the Mediterranean diet.

"Think of it as just one aspect of the Mediterranean style of eating, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and nuts; whole grains; and limited amounts of red meat," LeWine says.

Dr. LeWine says the benefits of olive oil are that you are combining increased use of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil while, at the same time, decreasing the amount of saturated fat in your diet.

Olive Oil in Baking

You can use olive oil in many ways, including baking, as you can bake with olive oil just like other cooking oils. However, experts say that due to olive oil's distinct flavor, it might affect the taste of the baked product.

However, olive oil and the Mediterranean diet can benefit your health today and as you get older. There is no single definition of the Mediterranean diet, but generally, it is typically high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and, of course, olive oil.

Good health today means longevity. Aging happens. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle has many benefits, it will not prevent a decline in your health, body, and mind that comes with getting older.

Consequences of Aging on Family and Finances

We will still suffer from aging and the consequences of getting older. With aging comes the need for help with our daily living activities. As we get older, our risk of dementia will increase. 

Being prepared for the costs and burdens of aging is vital to retirement planning. Since health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, will not pay for most long-term health care expenses, many people are turning to affordable Long-Term Care Insurance as the solution.

You can safeguard income and assets from the ever-increasing costs of long-term care services. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator shows six-figure costs for nursing homes and near six figures for assisted living and in-home care services.

Adult Children Could Become Your Caregiver

Without LTC Insurance, your family could find themselves becoming your future caregivers. That is a job that places huge physical and emotional demands on them. It is difficult to balance a career, spouse, children, and other responsibilities with being a caregiver for an older parent.

Find the current and future cost of long-term health care by finding your location on the calculator - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News. Keep in mind that costs vary depending on where you live. No matter where you live, these costs are increasing rapidly due to increasing demand for services and higher labor costs. 

Most people who purchase Long-Term Care Insurance do so in their 50s when they can enjoy lower premiums due to their age and better health. A qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist can help match you with the right insurance company and the right benefits - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.