Extra virgin olive oil is Mother Nature’s healthiest fat. It is very rich in health and in history. It is making the news world wide because of its healing powers.
On medical journals we read that medical researchers around the world continue to discover new health boosting nutrients that olives andolive oil contain.
Here are the most important nutrients in extra virgin olive oil:
1. The Poly-phenols: They are powerful antioxidants that act as fighting disease enzymes and protect your body by trapping free radical molecules and destroying them before any damage takes place. The highest poly-phenol content in olive oil depends on the variety of the olive, time of picking and the method that is used to extract the oil.
The extra virgin olive oil is the highest in poly-phenols, the good for you nutrients and when is mixed with oils lower in poly-phenols it will extend their shelf life by preventing rancidity.
If you want to get a poly-phenol rich oil, make sure that reads “Extra virgin olive oil”, it has the California Olive Oil Council Seal and it is fresh from the current harvest season. Or choose an extra virgin olive oil from Greece, Italy or Spain that reads extra virgin olive oil and is fresh.
The olive oils with the highest poly-phenol count are bitter and with strong flavor. I personally compare it with dark chocolate. It is the dark chocolate that contains the healthiest antioxidants. It is bitter and a little harsh.
2. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a group of fat soluble compounds with distinctive antioxidant activities. It protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals that damage cells and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Many studies have proven that extra virgin olive oil contains vitamin E that is an enhancement to the immune system.
3. Phytoestrogens: They are substances that help prevent bone loss and minimize symptoms of menopause. These substances also protect against prostate, breast and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and brain function disease. Lately research has proven that phytoestrogens have beneficial effects to diabetes.
4. Phenol compounds: They are substances contained in extra virgin olive oil that act as antioxidants.
5. Sterols: Sterols are substances that have proven to block cholesterol absorption and helping to reduce cholesterol.
6. Essential Fatty Acids: They are the good fats, such omega 3s and omega 6s.
Extra virgin olive oil contains plenty of essential fatty acids that are necessary for good health. They help to stave off heart disease and diabetes.
7. Chlorophyll: It is a substance that has antioxidant properties. Extra virgin olive oil has an abundance of chlorophyll. It gives leaves their green color and absorbs light. Its name is derived from the Greek (chloros “green”) and (phyllon “leaf”). It is very important for photosynthesis which allows plants to get energy from light. Chlorophyll decreases the risk of liver cancer.
Olive oil is Nature’s super food and research shows that:
- Boosts your immune system.
- Lowers your risk of heart disease.
- Prevents cancer.
- Fights diabetes.
- Fights fat.
- Rejuvenates your skin.
- Prolongs your life.
Make this “liquid gold“ your daily ritual. You owe it to yourself for better health.