Olive oil has been hailed as the holy grail of health for everything from its brain-boosting and beauty benefits to pain-relieving properties. There’s just plenty to love about this liquid gold, so here’s the good oil about EVOO.
Folks who live in regions of the world where EVOO is a daily diet staple tend to live longer, healthier lives, which is why docs and nutritionists are quick to recommend Mediterranean-style eating plans. The focus is on plants and healthy fats including, you guessed it, the humble olive. What’s not to love about that?
What does ‘extra virgin’ mean exactly?
It’s an oily jungle out there so let’s break it down. The finest quality EVOO comes from the first cold pressing of ripe olives, and the ‘virgin juice’ is bottled within hours of picking. Choose dark, glass bottles over plastic. You can expect to pay a little more for the good stuff but, trust us, don’t skimp. Other olive oils may be labelled ‘pure’ or ‘extra light’ but they undergo more refining and processing, and don’t deliver the same benefits.
What makes it so good?
EVOO is rich in protective monounsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid, a raft of top-notch flavonoid polyphenols (AKA powerful antioxidants), and a good whack of vitamins E and K.
Benefits? You got it
Regular consumption of EVOO can help lower your risk for disease and illness, and may even help slow or reverse damage that’s already present. Experts believe that inflammation at the cellular level is the devil behind many chronic conditions. So tackle it before it gets a foothold!
But what about all that fat?
It’s true: EVOO is 100 per cent fat. But we’re not going to worry about a tablespoon or two of good-for-you fat. We are going to embrace it! Many vitamins and minerals rely on fat to help them do their best work. Your skin, hair and nails will thank you. Fat also helps you feel fuller for longer, so may actually help, rather than hinder, weight loss. Oh, and your brain needs fat to function properly, so there’s that!
Pain be gone
Oleocanthal is one of EVOO’s star antioxidant performers. New research shows this component may offer similar pain-relieving benefits to over-the-counter ibuprofen. This could be great news for thosewho can’t tolerate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds.
Around two tablespoons per day may help reduce your risk for:
Heart disease • high blood pressure • high LDL (bad) cholesterol • stroke • one loss/osteoporosis • joint pain/rheumatoid arthritis • type 2 diabetes • obesity • certain cancers • low moods • memory loss
Oi! Oi! Oi!
Aussie EVOO consistently ranks amongst the best in the world thanks to our ideal climate, growing conditions and stellar industry standards.
