The Ancient Greek poet Homer called olive oil “liquid gold”. Hippocrates called it “the great healer”. In Ancient Greece the olive can be found etched onto coins and tombs, and olive oil was used to anoint kings and athletes in ancient Greece.
But it was the Romans who expanded olives across their empire covering most of the Mediterranean. Monte Testaccio, in Rome, is an artificial hill with a perimeter of almost 1 km and a height of 50 m and is made entirely out of broken olive oil pots!
While we already know that olive oil has great health benefits, there is still far more to learn, as the University of Bari in Italy even planned an international training congress dedicated to young researchers who are experts in olive oil with a chance to win the “Extra Virgin Olive Oil Excellence in Research Award”.
In addition, there is a World Olive Oil Exhibition planned in Spain next year. And there is even an International Olive Council. Olive oil is a BIG deal.
EVOO is a new term often used to refer to Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Please note that the health benefits mentioned all refer to EVOO. Pay attention to the label when you are buying EVOO and ensure it is pure, as there are many imitations.
In a 2010 review of research, a team of Spanish researchers listed these olive oil benefits:
- Improves blood pressure by improving the inner lining of blood vessels, keeping them relaxed and dilated;
- Inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol;
- Increases protective HDL cholesterol;
- Inhibits abnormal blood clotting;
- Improves heart health and longevity;
- It is anti-inflammatory;
- Contributes to reduction of cancer risk (mainly breast, colorectal, and prostate); and
- Lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Briefly, it seems that olive oil helps protect the brain from Alzheimer’s by triggering a process called autophagy. Autophagy is a complex process but think of it as a sort of brain detox, cleaning out waste that can damage connections between brain cells. People who develop Alzheimer’s have low levels of autophagy, which allow tangles and plaques to develop in the brain.
A steady outpouring of research continues to show the superb health benefits of olive oil. Try and drizzle some EVOO over your vegetables or a light drizzle on your soup, or whatever takes your fancy. It really is a healing oil.
Wishing you all health and happiness.
Dr Maria Amasanti
https://heartmdinstitute.com/diet-nutrition/olive-oil-a-superfood-more-super-by-the-minute/
https://www.researchgate.net/lab/Maria-Lisa-Clodoveo-Lab
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