EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL — WONDER FOOD OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

Nourishing staple of the healthful Mediterranean diet, olive oil is an unrivalled natural source of monounsaturated fatty acids. Its long list of key phytonutrient compounds—called polyphenols—makes it a potent healing oil, especially in its first-pressed or extra virgin form. One of them, hydroxytyrosol (HT), has actually been shown to strengthen the cells of blood vessels at the genetic level. In this way, olive oil alleviates the oxidative and inflammatory stress that is so harmful to the heart. It has been shown, in fact, to reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

Not only has research demonstrated that olive oil helps prevent heart disease, but it lowers the risk of a wide range of cancers, especially in the digestive tract. Other scientific studies indicate that olive oil has a direct positive effect on blood levels of calcium and hence on bone health—which makes it a valuable nutritional aid for post-menopausal women. As if this weren’t enough, a recent French study suggests that increased olive oil intake actually improves brain function and has significant cognitive benefits.