In a world dominated by quick pharmaceutical fixes, sometimes the solution lies in a simple kitchen staple—extra virgin olive oil. It offers a plethora of health benefits that are not just supportive, but actively promote your wellbeing. According to Dr. Alan Mandel, the powerful medicinal properties of extra virgin olive oil can be an alternative to traditional anti-inflammatory medications.

One of the key benefits of extra virgin olive oil is its ability to improve your cholesterol levels. It's rich in monounsaturated fats, which significantly increase your good HDL cholesterol while lowering bad LDL cholesterol. This balance is crucial since high levels of LDL cholesterol cause plaque to build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Oxidative stress can lead to arterial damage contributing to atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries. Extra virgin olive oil is packed with polyphenols and antioxidants that protect the cellular linings of your arteries and reduce the risk of oxidative damage.

The endothelium is the interlining of blood vessels, including arteries. An enhanced endothelial function, supported by the nutrients found in extra virgin olive oil, is key to regulating blood pressure, blood clotting, and overall vascular health. This improves cardiovascular functionality and may mitigate risks associated with heart disease.

Extra virgin olive oil contains a powerful natural antioxidant, known for reducing inflammation by inhibiting enzymes responsible for creating inflammatory substances in the body. This action is comparable to NSAIDs but accomplished naturally and safely.

Rather than relying on powerful drugs which may behave like a sledgehammer, causing more harm than good, using daily doses of extra virgin olive oil may offer relief from various inflammation-related problems like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Enjoy it straight from the tablespoon or incorporate it into your meals to harness its full health potential.

"Every problem disease pathology in our body...is all going to have inflammation," says Dr. Alan Mandel, highlighting the importance of a natural anti-inflammatory approach.

In conclusion, turning to extra virgin olive oil could be your handy “fly swatter” for tackling inflammation, embodying a practice that not only protects but prevents afflictions altogether. Its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties extend beyond mere symptom relief to fostering holistic health for your heart, arteries, and beyond.