The numerous health benefits of olive oil run almost as deep as its history. It may appear simple, but in fact, is one of the most complex oils used today. In order to reap the wide range of health benefits, we must take time to understand the creation process and the different types.

History

The exact origin of olive oil remains unknown, but evidence of the existence of olives dates back farther than 6,000 years ago. As one of the oldest cultivated trees, it first grew in Crete, Greece in 3500BC. At that time, the tree spread to the Mediterranean basin, which includes African shores and Southern Europe. In 2000BC, olives were found inside Egyptian tombs; additionally, that date is when cultivation began to play a major role in the Crete economy. Crete began the first olive export to Greece, Asia Minor, and Northern Africa. Olives were a luxury in Greece and it became not only a food item, but was highly regarded as a beauty treatment.

Types of Oil

Most countries utilize the International Olive Oil Council to define quality and standards; however, the United States does not adhere to these standards. Instead, the United States follows the USDA’s 1948 Classification System, which includes the following qualities: extra-virgin, virgin, refined, pure, olive pomace, refined olive pomace, and lite. Please read the following for descriptions of the most common types:

Extra-virgin oil is the highest quality due to its high mineral and vitamin content. In order for olive oil to be considered extra-virgin, the oil must be produced by extraction methods that contain no chemicals or hot water, be first cold-pressed, have an acidity level of less than 1 percent, and have perfect taste.

Virgin olive oil, like extra-virgin, is first-cold pressed and produced without chemicals or hot water; however, virgin oil may contain an acidity level up to 3.3 percent. The flavor can vary and the taste is less mild than extra-virgin varieties.

Refined olive oil is created by refining virgin oil. The acidity level is greater than 3.3 percent; the finished product is tasteless and the odor is unpleasant.

Pure olive oil is a mix of virgin and refined. It has the same acidity level as virgin and can withstand high heat. The nutritional content is lower than virgin oil, which make it inexpensive compared to high quality oils. Pure oil is commonly used as all-purpose oil.

Light and extra-light are types of oils that contrary to the name do not contain less calories, but are a blend of refined oils that are made from the lowest quality oils created through chemical processing.

Health Benefits

Olive oil is composed of monounsaturated fat, which is considered a healthy fat. Introducing monounsaturated fats into your diet is healthier than ingesting saturated and trans fats. Monounsaturated fats offer a plethora of health benefits, when used in moderation. The following is a list of all of the wonderful health benefits it can impart.

It has the capability to lower blood pressure due to containing beneficial antioxidants, which are most prevalent in extra-virgin oil. The antioxidants, called polyphenol, are believed to be the primary source to help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. To receive maximum benefits, men should consume four tablespoons and women should consume three tablespoons, daily.

Research shows that monounsaturated fats, as found in olive oil, contain oleic acid and is capable of reducing the instance of cancer. Oleic acid is capable of reducing the effect of the cancer forming gene, called oncogene. Olive oil is noted to positively help breast, prostate, and colon cancer.

Olive oil is able to control blood sugar specifically by lowering blood glucose levels. Diabetics, or border-line diabetics, are instructed to follow a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. Olive oil can help control blood sugar even if diabetics switch to a high fat diet, considering most of that fat comes from olive oil.

Monounsaturated fats that are found in plant oils are best at controlling good and bad cholesterol. Consumption can help your body rid itself of bad cholesterol, known as LDL cholesterol. Additionally, this oil does not negatively effect the levels of good cholesterol, known as HDL cholesterol. In fact, it can even raise the levels of HLD cholesterol providing a double benefit.

Researchers state that the extra-virgin variety contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient. The ingredient, oleocanthal, helps it to act as a pain reducer, much like over-the-counter aspirin. It will not show immediate results, but can provide pain reducing benefits if consistently ingested over a period of time.

How to Cook with Olive Oil

Now that the health benefits have been explained, let’s discuss some of the common methods of how to cook with this oil.

High quality, extra-virgin oils should be reserved for use in dressings, dips, and vinaigrettes. Replace oil for butter in baked potatoes, or brush onto cooked vegetables or fish. Sprinkle rosemary, basil, cracked black pepper, and sea salt on top of extra-virgin oil for a delicious bread dip.

If you are to saut or fry, choose a combination oil which is a mix of extra-virgin and regular olive oil. Use olive oil grade for deep-frying which works wonderful due to its high smoke point of 410 degrees Fahrenheit.

One additional way to incorporate olive oil into your diet: use it for non-stick oil when a recipe calls for butter or spray oil. Drizzle onto your pan and spread evenly with a paper towel to ensure complete coverage.

Who Should Avoid Olive Oil

Allergies are uncommon, but should not be ignored. In most cases, an allergy is a mild occurrence and the symptoms will go away in a short amount of time. On the other hand, a person can experience a more severe allergic reaction, which can lead to anaphylactic shock. A person who suspects an allergy should take note of the following symptoms: stomach or chest pain, rash, migraine, or red, itchy eyes. These allergies are rare and as a key part of theMediterraneandiet, the Health Benefits Of Olive Oil are well recognized and enjoyed by millions.

There are many common foods that are beneficial for health. For more on the health benefits of honey or how red wine benefits your diet visit thehealthbenefitsof.com.

Oleuropein is a tyrosol ester and phytonutrient that can be sourced from green olives, olive leaves and olive oil. It is very effective at fighting free radicals and early studies indicate that it may also act in a protective capacity in other areas of the body. In this article I will be looking at oleuropein in detail and outlining its main health benefits.

1) DISCOVERY:

Awareness of oleuropein dates back thousands of years. It was used by the ancient Mediterraneans to treat infections, fevers and pain and by the ancient Egyptians to perform mummifications. However, it was not isolated until many years later in the late 1800s.

2) HEALTH BENEFITS:

Oleuropein is a powerful antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from damaging free radicals. Free radicals are nasty substances that are released into your body’s cells during oxygen based reactions and have been linked with an increased risk of cancer (a health disorder which leads to your cells growing in a rapid, out of control way), diabetes (a health disorder which leads to your blood glucose levels becoming dangerously high), premature ageing and a weak immune system.

According to early studies, this tyrosol ester may also have further health benefits in humans. For starters, it may be an antibacterial (a substance that kills or slows down the growth of bacteria), antifungal (a substance which treats fungal infections), anti-inflammatory (a substance which prevents unnecessary inflammation in the body) and antiviral (a substance that kills or slows down the growth of viruses). It may also prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Finally, it may keep your skin cells safe from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, reduce blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (a type of cholesterol that causes blockages in the artery walls and increases your heart disease risk), reduce high blood pressure and boost your immune system.

3) FOOD SOURCES:

Olives, olive leaves and olive oil are the only natural food sources of oleuropein but it can also be found in olive leaf extracts.

4) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:

Consuming high levels of natural oleuropein has no reported side effects. However, it is still not clear what effect large amounts of supplements containing this tyrosol ester have on blood cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure. Therefore, people with blood related health disorders such as diabetes and high blood pressure should check with their doctor before consuming any supplements. Pregnant women are also advised to check with their doctor before consuming supplements containing this phytonutrient.

5) SUMMARY:

Although very few studies have been performed on oleuropein, those that are available are very promising. Not only is this tyrosol ester an impressive antioxidant but it may also keep your blood healthy, fight various diseases and more. So make sure your kitchen contains plenty of olive oil and start enjoying all the health benefits of oleuropein.

Tom Parker owns Free Fitness Tips – a fantastic source of free, impartial fitness advice. You can learn more about oleuropein and the other tyrosol esters by visiting Free Fitness Tips.

The tyrosol esters are a group of powerful phytonutrients (plant based chemical compounds that have various health boosting properties in humans) that can be found in olives and olive oil. They are believed to be responsible for the many of the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. In this article I will be taking a deeper look at 2 tyrosol esters and outlining their key health benefits.

1) HYDROXYTYROSOL:

Hydroxytyrosol is a powerful antibacterial (a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria) and antioxidant (a substance that keeps your body’s cells safe from the dangerous free radicals which are released during oxygen based reactions) which can also strengthen the immune system.

Early studies on this tyrosol ester have revealed that it may also keep your blood healthy by preventing atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form in the artery walls and restrict the flow of blood) and reducing blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (a type of cholesterol that causes blockages in the artery walls and increases your heart disease risk). Additionally, it may fight mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (a mental disorder that leads to the loss of thought, memory and speech) and Parkinson’s disease (a mental disorder that inhibits mobility and speech). Finally, hydroxytyrosol may protect against the damage caused by smoking, prevent cancer (a health disorder where your body’s cells start to grow in a rapid, out of control way) and protect the nervous system from damage. However, additional research is required before these provisional health benefits can be confirmed.

2) OLEUROPEIN:

Oleuropein is a potent antioxidant. Early studies suggest that it may also be an antibacterial, antifungal (a substance that treats fungal infections), anti-inflammatory (a substance that prevents unnecessary inflammation in the body) and antiviral (a substance that prevents the growth of viruses). Additionally, oleuropein may fight a number of nasty diseases including cancer and diabetes (a disease which causes your blood glucose to reach dangerously high levels). It may also boost your heart health by reducing high blood pressure and lowering blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Finally, this tyrosol ester may also boost your immune system and keep the skin cells safe from ultraviolet (UV) damage. However, additional studies are required before these possible health benefits of oleuropein can be confirmed.

TYROSOL ESTERS SUMMARY:

There is still a lot more research to be done on the tyrosol esters and their potential health boosting properties in humans. However, the current research is very promising and shows that these impressive phytonutrients have great potential when it comes to human health. So next time you have a salad, add some olives or drizzle some olive oil over it and start enjoying these tyrosol ester benefits.

Tom Parker owns Free Fitness Tips – a fantastic source of free, impartial fitness advice. You can learn more about the tyrosol esters and the many tyrosol ester benefits by visiting Free Fitness Tips.

Available in a variety of diverse, distinctive and subtle flavors, Spanish olive oil heightens the flavor of your favorite meals. It provides health benefits that contribute to a longer life.

As with wine, the region, climate and variety all help determine the flavor of Spanish olive oil. The most significant influence on taste, however, centers on the harvesting season and processing procedures.

How the Harvesting Season Determines Flavor

Although olive trees may produce crops for several months, the time of harvest significantly affects the overall flavor of the oil. In the earliest months, olives produce oils with a bitter, stronger flavor. Later harvests tend to be milder and buttery.

Mature green olives harvested in the fall produce a sharp flavor many refer to as peppery, grassy or woody. Those harvested in early winter are ripe, purple or black, and produce a smoother, fruitier gold-colored product.

How Processing Affects Flavor

How olives are handled post-harvest dramatically affects the final taste of the product. Freshly picked fruits are crushed whole at the processing mill. They are packed into a mash and centrifuged or pressed to free the oil from the fibrous fruit.

Pressed olives are left to sit until the oil separates and floats to the top away from the heavier impurities. Centrifuged fruit is processed twice to ensure that no impurities remain in the final product.

The separated olive oil is left to age between three to six months. The longer the aging process, the less bitter the taste.

Ways to Protect the Flavor of Spanish Olive Oil

When you first purchase olive oil, it’s likely to be at its most flavorful state. Unfortunately, as time goes by, the taste tends to diminish or change.

To preserve the flavor, store the product in a dry, dark, and cool place; such as a cupboard or pantry. Light and heat will degrade the oil and refrigerators create condensation that may dilute the oil and hasten spoilage.

Make Your Oil Last

When purchasing Spanish olive oil, you truly do get what you pay for. If you’ve spent a pretty penny on a particular import, make it last by stocking an inexpensive brand as well.

Use the less quality product for cooking and save the high quality stuff for salads and uncooked dishes. This will allow you to savor the taste of fine imported products without having to constantly reorder or make trip after trip to your local market.

Best Spanish Olive Oil is made from olives grown on 2000 year old trees in the Castell region of Spain. Many varieties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil now available direct from Spain. Try what many believe is the best Spanish Olive Oil available in the United States!

Dear Health Enthusiasts,

Only several years ago, olive oil was only really thought of as a specialty cooking oil you would buy in the “foreign food” section of the grocery store, mostly when you wanted to whip up a Mediterranean-type recipe that called for it. Even I was unaware of all the Health Benefits Of Olive Oil, as well as its multiple other uses, until just a short time ago. Now, I routinely recommend it to all my patients, 1-2 tablespoons daily, for all the wonderful health benefits it confers. And that’s not all. My patients are frequently sharing with me new uses of olive oil that they’ve discovered and I’d like to share some of those with you.

The Incredible Olive and Its Oil

I’m sure you’ve heard of the health benefits of olive oil as they’ve been all over the news in the last few years. But just to recap, research has shown that it is full of monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFA’s, that help raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. It’s one of the basic ingredients in the Mediterranean diet that has helped people in those regions have much lower than average levels of heart disease and cancer.

In addition, it is also a potent antioxidant that helps scavenge and wipe out health-destroying free radicals that can lead to cancer. In fact, olive oil has been shown to protect the cells of the colon, prostate and uterine endometrium from cancerous changes.

If that weren’t enough, recent research has shown that it also may help normalize blood sugar levels which benefits diabetics. Cold pressed extra virgin olive oils are the best types to use as they contain the most nutrients. Cheaper “pure” oils do not have the same amount of nutrients.

Now, allow me to share with you some even more interesting uses of this popular cooking oil.

Face/Body Skin: You may have seen olive oil soap in your pharmacy or grocery store. With its antioxidant (chlorophyll, carotenoids, Vitamin E) properties, it is very good for skin. It can neutralize skin damaging free radicals and help prevent skin cancer. It cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

Olive oil contains linoleic acid which actually prevents water from evaporating, thereby keeping a barrier layer of moisture on the skin. In fact, women in Europe, Middle East and Asia have routinely used it as skin beauty oil for centuries. Putting a few caps in a warm bath, helps lubricate body skin and using a few drops of it as a facial moisturizer helps keep faces wrinkle free and soft. It’s not just for women though – several of my male patients tell me that they apply olive oil to their face before they razor shave to get a close, smooth shave that leaves their face soft.

Hair: Some of my female patients have shared with me that they also use olive oil as a hair conditioner. Rub a few drops into the ends of your hair before you shampoo it, leave it for about 20 minutes, and then wash it. Hair is left tangle-free and shining.

Weight control: As I mentioned above, this oil has been shown to be able to normalize blood sugar levels by lowering insulin levels. Taking 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon before eating a lower carbohydrate meal slows down the rise of blood sugar after a meal.

Stomach Upsets: Long used in Mediterranean countries for stomach upsets, take 1 tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion.

Stay Regular: Another favorite use is to remedy constipation. In hot water, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and drink.

Earaches: Warm olive oil has been a folk remedy for earaches for eons, mainly because it works, especially when the cause of the ache is from water getting in the ear or built up ear wax. First, be sure that you do not have a punctured ear drum! Do not put anything in your ear if you have severe pain and/or see blood coming from it. Instead, visit an Urgent Care or your doctor immediately. If you have gotten water in your ear, or feel you may have a buildup of wax, with an eye dropper, drop 1-2 drops oil down into the ear canal. Lie for a few minutes on your opposite side and then turn over and allow the oil to run out of your ear. This works to dry up any water that’s there and liquefy ear wax so that it is easier to remove. Remember; never put Q-tips or any other instruments down into your ear canal.

Fingernails: Keep your nails and the skin around them looking great by soaking your fingertips in an olive oil, lemon juice mixture, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice,

Pets: Believe it or not, one of my patients even uses it to prevent hairballs and promote shiny coats in their cats, adding 1 tsp to their food.

Remove Paint/Car Grease: Ever get paint or car grease on your hands or in your hair and couldn’t get it out? Olive oil can remove dried paint and car grease from your hair and your skin by simply rubbing some into the affected areas. The oil loosens the hold of the grease or paint from the skin and hair, which renders it easy to remove.

The more advanced our technologies and the more complicated our world becomes, it’s comforting to know that there are age-old natural substances that we can rely on to keep us healthy and aid us in our simple activities of daily living. We don’t always have to turn to chemically based, often toxic, cleaning agents or drugs when we can turn to a simple, wonder from Mother Nature like olive oil. I’m sure you’ll find even more uses for this incredibly valuable oil!

Stay Well,

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.

My informational health site, Healthy Answers, offers a wealth of articles about the latest natural and practical health advancements, prevention methods and treatment options.