Extra virgin olive oil, gold for health, the superfood at home

Conscious TV

September 28, 2020

Olive oil is a product with which we feel deeply identified in Spain. It is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree: the olive, and practically 90% of the world's olive production is used to produce olive oil. It is mainly used in gastronomy, but medicine and cosmetics also benefit from this vegetable oil whose variety of textures, aromas and colours is extremely rich.

The first traces of green gold date back to 4000 BC; it is thought that the use of olives may have begun with the appearance of agriculture. The predominance of this crop in the Andalusian area dates back to the time of the establishment of the Roman Empire in Hispania. It is a product linked to the Mediterranean culture, Spanish, Italian and Greek oils are internationally appreciated, but Spain maintains the dominance of yesteryear, being the world's leading producer today.

It should be noted that refined olive oils have fewer properties than extra virgin olive oils.

Properties of extra virgin olive oil:

  • It has a high antioxidant power, contains great nutrients such as vitamin E, carotenes, and polyphenols.
  • It is easily digested and quickly assimilated by the body.
  • It contains beneficial fatty acids for the body.
  • It has a positive effect on cholesterol and improves heart disease.
  • Olive oil is introduced into diabetic diets because it is very beneficial in balancing the effects of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes.
  • It helps control blood pressure and strengthens bone mass.
  • Extra virgin olive oil contains fats that help to assimilate vitamins A, D and K more easily.
  • It improves intestinal, liver and gallbladder function.
  • It is very good for difficult digestion because it stimulates the pancreatic enzyme.
  • Regular intake of extra virgin olive oil protects the body from developing breast cancer.
  • It protects the body from the effect of free radicals.
  • It improves the nervous system and brain development.
  • Extra virgin olive oil improves the quality of the diet, provided it is accompanied by vegetables, fruit, legumes, fresh produce and exercise.

    If you found this article interesting, be sure to find out more about healthy diets and superfoods.