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Why You Should Add Olive Oil to Your Diet

March 17, 2017 Mediterra Team

We all know that olive oil is great for us. There are endless articles with exhaustive lists on the different things you can do with olive oil, but few discuss why it is so highly regarded from world chefs and nutritionists to skin care experts. Once demonized in Western culture, fat is now storming the world as the hottest health accessory.

Quality is the beginning of the story. The olive oil in your cupboard may not be quite what you think it is. Many manufacturers cut their products with chemicals and inferior oils. It’s important to do your research and be informed so that you can ensure that what you have is the real deal. High quality olive oil processed in traditional methods is ideal for optimal nutritional.

Extra virgin olive oil receives most of the spotlight and with good reason as this type of olive oil goes through the least amount of processing. However you’ll need to stick with a reputable company because manufacturers in America don’t have the monitoring and laws of Europe surrounding olive oil processing.

Olive oil has been a staple of the traditional Mediterranean diet going back to ancient times. Today two communities in the Mediterranean, referred to as Blue Zones, are studied for the average life expectancy of its residents. Many scientists contribute the long, happy lives of people in these areas to their traditional diet. Scientific studies suggest that inflammation is a huge contributing factor to the chronic disease that plagues those that adhere to SAD (Standard American Diet). Olive oil is full of the anti- inflammatory omega fatty acids that keep that inflammation at bay.

Up until quite recently, fat was pegged as the culprit of the chronic obesity problem in Western culture, but we now know that sugar is the true perpetrator. With this new information, many studies have come to light that boast the healthy attributes of fat. Olive oil is rich with heart healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, anti- inflammatory polyphenols, Vitamin E, Vitamin K. Good fats have also been shown to benefit the mind by supporting memory, hormone balance, and improved mood.

It’s no secret that olive oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants and healthy fats. A little research goes a long way if you’re looking to add olive oil into your diet for health reasons. Take a look in your cupboard to ensure that your extra virgin olive oil comes from a reputable source. Whip up vinaigrette or sauté up some veggies with your favorite fruity, robust olive oil and enjoy a healthy habit you can really sink your teeth into.

Resources

https://authoritynutrition.com/extra-virgin-olive-oil/

http://www.ecowatch.com/whats-the-verdict-on-olive-oil-is-it-good-or-bad-for- you-1882045884.html
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/26/health/five-things-olive-oil/ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/ food-and-nutrition/faq-20058439