Introduction

It can be difficult to choose olive oil from bottle shelves at different prices.  Here are some easy things to remember from olive oil expert (and farmer and producer)

Extra virgin olive oil is very nutritious. In addition to its beneficial fatty acids, it contains small amounts of Vitamin E and K.  But olive oil is also full of powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants are biologically active and can reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

1.  Buy Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.

Olive oil is a natural oil extracted from the olive, the fruit of the olive tree. About 14% of oil contains saturated fat, while 11% is polyunsaturated, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids . But the biggest fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which is 73% of the total oil content.

2. Olive oil is high in antioxidants.

Extra virgin olive oil is very nutritious. In addition to its beneficial fatty acids, it contains small amounts of Vitamin E and K. But olive oil is also full of powerful antioxidants.

3. Olive oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Chronic inflammation is thought to be a major driver of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and even obesity.

4. Olive oil can help prevent stroke.

Stroke is caused by a disruption of blood flow to your brain, either due to blood clots or bleeding. In developed countries, stroke is the second most common cause of death after heart disease. The relationship between olive oil and the risk of stroke has been extensively studied.

5. Olive oil protects against heart disease.

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world. Observational studies conducted a few decades ago have shown that heart disease is less common in Mediterranean countries.

6. Olive oil is not associated with weight gain or obesity.

Eating too much fat leads to weight gain.

However, several studies have linked the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil to a favorable effect on body weight.

7. Olive oil can fight Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative condition in the world. One of its main features is the accumulation of so-called beta-amyloid plaques inside your brain cells. A study of rats found that a substance in olive oil helps remove these plaques.

Conclusion

It is important to buy the right type of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil retains some of the antioxidant and bioactive compounds in olives. For this reason, it is considered healthier than the more refined type of olive oil.