The Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Most of us buy quality extra virgin olive oil because it is delicious but we also believe it is good for your overall health. If this is the case, you are absolutely right on both counts. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants that are good for your health as well as being delicious.

It is important to note that quality extra virgin olive oil should be used within eighteen months of pressing. Why is that so? Unlike fine wine, good olive oil does not improve with age. The health benefits of antioxidant-rich oils can wane if the oils are stored for too long or not properly.

The Healing Power of Olive Oil

The ancients had it right. Olive oil, first discovered and pressed from olives over 6,000 years ago, has played an important role in a healthy diet. Recent studies have shown that olive oil helps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, has a cleansing effect on the digestive system as well as promoting healthy cell development. It also offers protection against many illnesses such as arthritis and cancer. Olive oil falls into the category of oils which are touted for their monounsaturated fats which have been shown to have a protective effect on the entire body. Olive oil is made up of 77 percent of this good fat. Research has also shown that olive oil may lower the risk of heart disease since it reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) while leaving HDL (the good cholesterol) intact.