All about oils
The Healthy Oils
extra virgin olive oil
Description: Extra virgin, along with the standard virgin olive oil, is extracted directly from the olive fruit by grinding or pressing the olives. This method involves "cold-pressing" the olives in thermal conditions which preserves their natural taste. This method keeps the oil from losing its flavor when exposed to high temperatures. Extra virgin olive oil is unrefined and produced naturally without the use of any chemical processes or chemical agents.
Health Benefits: High-quality extra virgin olive oil has well-researched anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants and numerous heart-healthy macro-nutrients. Extra virgin olive oil benefits include lowering rates of inflammation, heart disease, depression, dementia and obesity. Diets high in extra virgin olive oil are associated with “a lower incidence of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer” according to the US National Library of Medicine. Olive oil contains phenol acids that have positive effects on certain physiological parameters, including plasma lipoproteins, damage from oxidization, inflammatory markers, platelet and cellular function, and antimicrobial activity.
Origin: The Mediterranean.
