The Mediterranean Way Of Eating

Sample Mediterranean Meal Plans

Breakfast:

Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Snacking:

Healthy Snack Ideas

Pregnancy:

Natural Health During Pregnancy

Prevention:

The Legume That Lowers Cholesterol

Healthy Holiday Recipes:

Salads

Baked Goodies

Special Family Breakfasts

Browse > Home / Nutrition /Olive Oil

THE VERY EXCEPTIONAL OLIVE OIL

There are a few incredible foods that need extra special mention here, so let’s give them all a standing ovation as we get to know them a little better.

One really important food we didn’t mention yet is olive oil.

Olive oil definitely needs it’s own spotlight… it is the king of oils and should be the only, yes only cooking oil allowed into your kitchen. Now I know that sounds harsh, but it is the honest truth.

And I know you will agree when you read this list of health benefits olive oil is honored with!

Not only is olive oil is high in vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, D, E and K and in iron, it has been acclaimed for the following health benefits:

• Olive oil is high in antioxidants that fight against the clogging of arteries and chronic diseases, including cancer and diabetes
• Olive oil has specific benefits for people suffering from heart disease
• Olive oil has proven to help raise HDL levels (the good cholesterol) while controlling LDL levels, (the bad cholesterol)
• Olive oil has been found helpful in treating urinary tract infections, gall bladder and liver issues
• Olive oil protects the stomach from ulcers and can even help the healing process of ulcers and gastritis, when taken before a meal
• Olive oil been known to rid the body of H. pylori, a bacteria that can create peptic ulcers
• Olive oil has qualities that slow down the aging process
• Olive oil protects the body from infection and helps in the healing of both internal tissue and external
• Olive oil helps us utilize the vitamins and minerals in our foods
• Olive oil acts as a non irritating laxative when combined with a spoonful of lemon or coffee
• Olive oil protects the skin against the drying effects of the sun and air
• Olive oil has been hailed as the "beauty oil", making arteries more pliable and skin more lustrous
• Olive oil helps the elderly by promoting mineralization of the bones, which means it strengthens the bones
• Olive oil contains about as much of a nutrient called oleic acid as does a mother's milk which makes it a perfect supplement for infants
• Olive oil accelerates brain development and nervous system development in children as well as growth in general
• Olive oil when mixed with a bit of water is an old Italian remedy for diaper rash

See what I mean? I know, huh… an amazing little fruit, that olive. You are in awe of the olive now too!

Olive oil comes in different varieties listed below.

The different varieties have to do with the amount they are processed.

Extra virgin Olive oil: Green and very fruity, heavy, distinct taste. Although health wise this one has the most benefits, it is probably not the best choice for those who have never used olive oil… it has a strong olive taste!

Virgin Olive Oil: Lighter in color than the Extra Virgin, with a hint of flavor. Probably what most people have tasted, a good place to start for the slightly adventurous.

Light Olive Oil: More refined, delicate, light taste… just a subtle hint of the olive. Good for those recipes that you don’t want that flavor taking over.

Extra Light Olive Oil: dainty light hearted, great for baking, very elusive it hides that it ever was there.

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