Olive oil is a fat obtained from the fruit of the Olea europaea (olive tree), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean region, where whole olives are pressed to produce this oil. The oil is used in cosmetics, medicine, cooking and soaps, and was also used as a fuel for traditional lamps. Although originating in the Mediterranean countries, today it is used worldwide. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, is a major component of the Mediterranean diet.

Greece has the highest olive oil intake per person in the world. Greeks consume, on average, 24 liters per-person-per-year, according to the North American Olive Oil Association. Spaniards and Italians consume about 15 and 13 liters-per-person-per year, respectively.

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Health Benefits of Olive Oil

The health benefits of olive oil include treatment for colon, breast cancer, diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, high cholesterol, weight loss, metabolism, digestion, aging and cancer. It has been used by mankind for many centuries. It is a staple ingredient for many culinary preparations and also serves a variety of medicinal purposes. Medical studies suggest that it is loaded with health benefits.

It helps in lowering of the bad cholesterol level in our blood, as it is rich in monounsaturated fats. The extra virgin this oil variety contains the highest level of antioxidant polyphenols and oleic acid. It is thus a healthy option compared to other vegetable oils.

But, it also has lots of calories, so it should be used in moderate amounts for the best health results. The  Food and Drug Administration recommends 2 tablespoons every day to reduce the risk of heart disease.

It has numerous beneficial qualities. Apart from being a good cooking aid, it is also known to have unique medicinal qualities. Some of them are as follows:

Reduce Heart Problems: Natural oil contains 70% monounsaturated fatty acid. As a result, it lowers cholesterol accumulation in the blood and reduces heart problems. It reduces the LDL, while at the same time increasing the HDL levels. The website of Montelcastelli Solutions Ltd. provides a table comparing the fatty acid composition of different types of oils.

Blood Cholesterol: LDL cholesterol is the bad type of cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attacks and pulmonary heart disease. Extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in almost 40 antioxidant chemicals, helps reduce the oxidation effects of LDL cholesterol.

Weight Loss: Medical experts suggest that it is very difficult to gain weight from the mono-unsaturated fats present in this oil. Experiments involving Mediterranean olive oil have shown positive results in regards to a reduction in human body weight.

Metabolism: It boosts the metabolism, the growth of good bone structure, and brain development in children. It is an excellent source of vitamin E, which is very beneficial for older people.

Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties: The phenols present in this oil have anti-inflammatory properties. The antimicrobial characteristics of the oil are a result of its strong aroma.

Digestion: It is known to aid in the digestive process. It is used as a medicinal oil to clean the digestive tract and to improve bowel movements.

Aging Process: Rich in antioxidants, it slows the natural aging process of the human body. Used in cosmetic products and natural herbal therapy, it does wonders for the skin, which gets a natural shine and glow from the enriching oil.

Prevention of Gall Stones: This oil is also effective in preventing gall stones.

Healthy Cell Walls: It contains polyphenol which helps in stronger cell walls. It also increases the elasticity of arterial walls, protecting against various heart conditions.

Cancer: It is said to protect the human body against cancerous growth, especially bowel cancer. Medical research done at the prestigious Oxford University has shown positive signs that the acidic content of this oil can prevent the commencement of rectum and bowel cancer. In the UK, bowel cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, and kills almost twenty thousand citizens every year.

Breast cancer: Recent research study suggests that hydroxytyrosol, a major component of this oil may help prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Hypertension: Recent research study suggests that Mediterranean diet comprising of food rich in unsaturated fats (found in this oil and nuts) and nitrite and nitrate (found in leafy green vegetables) may help protect you from hypertension.

There are several grades of this oil, according to the flavor, aroma, acidic value and color. Readers are advised to buy authentic oil with proper evaluation for cooking or medicinal purposes.

Sources of Olive Oil

Olive oil, as we all know, is an essential fruit oil, which we get from the olive tree crop found mainly in the Mediterranean regions. It is utilized for cooking purposes, developing cosmetic products and soaps, for medicinal purposes, and as pharmaceutical supplements. It can also be used as fuel and for lighting lamps. Various types include the following:

Virgin Oil: This variety is used for cooking with a lower acid content.

Extra Virgin Oil: This is a much better variety and is made by cold pressing the olive fruit.

Pure Oil: This type is a combination of refined and virgin oils. It contains a highly acidic content.

Lampante Oil: It is used as a fuel and is not recommended for cooking purposes.

Ordinary Virgin Oil: This has a free acidity content of no more than 3.3 grams per 100 grams. This oil does not contain any additives.

Refined Oil: It is the refined form of virgin olive oil. It has a free acidity content of not more than 0.3 grams per 100 grams.