The Benefits of Olive Oil

At a time when we are all so very aware of the good and bad fats present in our diets, it is reassuring to be able to look at a product which is steeped in tradition and history and find an oil which responds to the needs of our modern diets far better than it’s more recent counterparts.

Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet has significant protective effects against cancer, heart disease and ageing. Olive oil is a key element of this. Described as ‘liquid gold’, olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while raising HDL (good) levels. No other naturally produced oil has such a large level of monounsaturated fat as olive oil. Olive oil has also the ability to reduce the effect of an oncogene - a gene that will turn a host cell into a cancer cell.

The use of chemicals is completely absent in the process of ‘cold pressing’ and ensures that the oil loses none of its flavour through exposure to high temperatures. The unrefined nature of the production of extra virgin and virgin olive oil ensures higher quality and retention of natural flavour.

Apart from the sheer abundance of taste, those who follow the Mediterranean diet also enjoy the benefits of the polyphenols found in olive oil which have been found to slow the process of aging and help prevent degenerative diseases.

Olive oil is a ‘healthy’ oil, a friendly fat! Olives sit in the fruit family alongside peaches, plums apricots and cherries and are without cholesterol…so enjoy!!!