Olive Oil…during Corona

We should all eat nutritious foods during the Corona pandemic and olive oil always appears in the world’s healthiest foods.. but not all types of olive oil!

Organic extra virgin is certainly the winner. It is produced from the first pressing and has the lowest free acidity. The price reflects its quality as only small amounts that are extracted from olives may be qualified as extra virgin.

Check out the health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory, only 2tbs daily enough for significant effect - Heart health, it’s oleic acid and anti-oxidant properties are beneficial for cholesterol and provide protection against oxygen damage to the blood vessels
- Bone health, increases bone formation and is associated with better calcium levels
- Cancer risk, 2 tbs daily reduces significantly cancer risk
- Digestive health, inhibits H pylori and reduces gastric ulcer risk
- Brain health, as part of the Mediterranean diet, helps with memory and cognitive function

Some anecdotal stories exist for using olive oil as a ‘liver flush’ to get rid of gallstones. However even if a liver flush is useful for this problem, it is not recommended with olive oil. In this case a visit to the GP is preferable.

In short, don’t underestimate the benefits of this most loved and tasty oil. Buy it always in darkly tinted glass containers and keep it in cool places as it needs to be protected from heat, light and air. Lastly, don’t keep it for longer than 2 months to maintain it’s quality.
Don’t think what you get in restaurants is healthy. Trust your one and look after it.
Make organic extra virgin olive oil part of everyday diet; a small path to a much healthier life. Enjoy!