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- pollutants;
- use of untreated recycled water for irrigation; and
- genetic modification.
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EVOO has been proven to provide the following benefits from its consumption:
Cardiovascular Health – EVOO does not contain trans fats which are a known contributor to heart damage. People who ate a Mediterranean-style diet that included EVOO had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and their combined risk for heart attack, stroke, and death from heart disease. It also been linked to improved cholesterol levels and reduced blood pressure.
Weight Control Benefits – The Mediterranean dietary pattern, which includes EVOO as the dominant lipid, has been associated with a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and reduced levels of obesity.
Inflammation – EVOO contains several bio-actives that can slow down inflammation, including oleocanthal (unique to EVOO) which has a similar mode of action to ibuprofen.
Protection from Ageing – EVOO contains high levels of natural antioxidants such as Vitamin E, which can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Excessive oxidation increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, and general ageing.
Oxidative stress is implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
’s brain-nourishing nutrients can help elevate your mood, it’s beneficial fats support the central nervous system, helping nerves function properly and increasing levels of the mood-supporting neurotransmitter serotonin.
Olive oil may be a particularly good addition to your diet if you suffer from arthritis or another chronic inflammatory condition. It contains monounsaturated fats and polyphenol oleocanthal, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.
Eating EVOO daily was associated with greater growth and activation of T-cells, immune cells that protect the body against infection due to the levels of polyphenols and MUFAs in EVOO.
Contrary to popular belief, EVOO actually has a moderate-to-high smoke point of 176 ⁰C to 210 ⁰C, however, smoke point does not correlate to how stable a cooking oil is under heat. Research suggests that EVOO is the most stable cooking oil, resisting degradation better than oils with a high smoke point.
The bottom line is that EVOO is a nutritious and versatile oil, and no other oil compares in terms of flavor, versatility, and head-to-toe health benefits.