Olive Oil, Health and Well-Being

Fat should represent 30% of the energy intake in a daily healthy diet. 50% of this fat amount should be monounsaturated. Virgin or extra virgin olive oil is the best food source of monounsaturated fats.

Virgin or extra virgin olive oil is a fundamental ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. According to scientific research, the Mediterranean diet is the healthiest and most suited for heart disease prevention and for slowing down the ageing process.

The food pyramid shows that the consumption of olive oil is an essential element of a daily diet.

Fats, oils and sweets
Milk
Vegetables
Seeds, grains and other cereals
Meat, meat substitutes and other proteins
Fruits

The benefits of Olive Oil:

• Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which are known to counteract cellular ageing and to prevent degenerative diseases;
• It helps prevent cardiovascular disease because it can reduce the amount of total cholesterol, increase beneficial cholesterol, prevent and slow the formation of arteriosclerosis, reduce blood pressure and contribute to reducing the levels of saturated fats in the daily diet.
• It protects against certain types of cancer, particularly breast, prostate and colon cancer;
• Olive oil is easier to digest than any other fat;
• It improves the stomach’s digestive process and avoids gastroesophageal reflux;
• Due to the high level of monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil has a positive effect on blood sugar levels and fat, it also increases sensitivity to insulin which is why it is recommended for diabetics;
• It stimulates growth and the absorption of calcium and bone mineralisation;
• Because it allows a balanced diet of healthy fats, olive oil contributes to the prevention, reduction of symptoms and clinical improvement of all inflammatory diseases, particularly allergies and auto-immune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis);
• It limits the deficiencies in essential fatty acids in a child’s brain;
• It can be used to keep teeth white and healthy gums;
• It protects skin and acts as a tonic, giving it beauty and brightness. Olive oil has shown itself to be a star of cosmetics.

Its applications in the area of aesthetics and beauty are countless: it works as an anti-wrinkle agent, moisturiser and something to smooth dry skin; it cleanses, soothes and softens impurities making them easier to remove; it improves skin’s elasticity, helps to keep a shiny hair and is a perfect lotion for relaxing baths and massages.