The Olive Trail - Olive Oil Health

On November 1st 2004 the FDA(Food and Drug Administration, USA) now permits the following claim on olive oil labels:"Limited and not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about two tablespoons (23Grams) of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to monounsaturated fat in olive oil. To achieve this possible benefit, olive should replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not in increase the total amount of calories you eat in a day"

The immense power of extra virgin olive oil in health cannot be understated enough.

Olive oil is almost completely composed of Triglyceride, containing antioxidant and strengthening properties necessary for fighting various illnesses, especially heart problems and degenerative diseases.
In particular, the high quantity of oleic acid makes olive oil easily digestible, it is
recommended as an important food element for old people and children.

We and others believe we can go further in that:

Nutritional Information
Reducing the effects of ageing?
Preventing heart attacks?
Protecting against colon cancer?

Preventing arteriosclerosis?
Act as an aphrodisiac?
Possible adverse effects?

Read on:

Nutritional Information
For centuries the Greeks have prized oil for its therapeutic benefits and believed it to be the secret to beauty and longevity.

Studies show that extra virgin olive oil reduces many health risks from heart disease and diabetes to breast and prostrate cancer.

Olive oil’s main benefit is cardiovascular. Of all the commonly available oils, olive oil is the highest in monounsaturated fat. This type of fat is known to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Olive oil is also an excellent source of antioxidants, which protect the heart.
The body easily absorbs olive oil so readily absorbs Vitamin E and phenols which prevent the oxidization of fatty tissue. Experts have suggested that this because it is high in monounsaturated fat.

Olive oil should be used in everyday cooking. It can be used in salads or added to any recipe. It is perfect even for frying. Olive oil is the healthiest oil with no cholesterol and rich in vitamins.

Medical studies indicate that Mediterranean countries particularly Greece where olive oil consumption is high have less cardiovascular disease than any other country.

Reducing the intake of animal fats and increasing the intake of olive oil is a perfect combination for the prevention of arteriosclerosis and heart attacks.

Can olive oil reduce the effects of ageing?
A major cause of the degeneration of cells is the accumulation of free radicals which are produced by the oxidization of the fatty tissues of the body.

Vitamin E, phenols and other anti oxidizing substances protect the human body from the negative effects of free radicals. Olive oil contains a high percentage of phenols and vitamin E and as a result helps delay the ageing process.

MORE FACTS ON OLIVE OIL HEALTH

Can olive oil help prevent heart attacks?
Studies in Mediterranean countries have shown that heart disease is lower than would be expected by cholesterol levels. Many feel that this can be explained by the high olive oil content in the diet of the region.

Research into whether olive oil reduces the blood’s clotting ability which would in turn mean fewer heart attacks showed that levels of blood coagulation factor VII were significantly lower in those who ate olive oil as part of their diet. The study’s conclusion was that olive oil may lower the pro coagulant tendency of fatty meals which could explain the low incidence of heart attacks in Mediterranean countries.

Can olive oil protect against colon cancer?
Studies on animals have shown that diets high in fats increase the risk of colon cancer. Tests using olive oil to see if it could safeguard against colon cancer compared to other oils showed that the use of olive oil lowers the incidence of bowel tumours.

Although it is not clear what specific property of olive oil has this effect those undertaking the study suggested it may be partly due to a lowering of inflammation chemicals in the gut. Olive oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in several other studies. Studies also suggest that olive oil can decrease the incidence of breast cancer.

Can olive oil help prevent arteriosclerosis?
Tests on hamsters fed a diet high in cholesterol, have shown that those fed olive oil had less arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a disease of the walls of the arteries where fats are deposited and inflammation changes causes scarring and narrowing, which can eventually cause clots and total blockage.

Blockages can cause strokes and heart attacks. High levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood accelerate the fat deposits while HDL cholesterol seems to be protective.

Olive oil act as an aphrodisiac?
An added benefit of using olive oil is that Vitamin E improves your sex life!

Are there any possible adverse effects?
In rare instances, people eating high amounts of olive oil - especially at one time, have experienced temporary diarrhoea.

The elixir of life, probably one of natures best kept secrets!