Grown and made in Catalonia and near me in Barcelona, olive oil is an integral part of the Spanish or Mediterranean diet. Did you know that olive oil is far healthier than any other oils? I, a Spaniard, am also proud to inform you that Spain is one of largest producers of olive oil worldwide!
Every day, people are becoming more aware of the benefits of olive oil. So much so, that olive oil has become the preferred culinary oil throughout the world, especially in Europe and the United States.
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, and the consumption of it is directly associated with an increase in longevity. Also, something I find very interesting is that the continued consumption of olive oil can help prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Extra Virgin olive oil also contains phenols, which have very important antioxidant properties that play a pivotal role in the regulation of atherogenesis (the development of plaque on artery walls). Atherogenesis can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks and heart disease. The habitual consumption of olive oil also increases the lipolytic activity of adipose tissue, meaning it causes your body to mobilize stored energy and break down fats into glycerol and fatty acids to burn, reducing the risk of obesity.
It has been shown that components of Extra Virgin olive oil have anticarcinogenic effects. This means olive oil’s components counteract the effects of carcinogens and can inhibit the development of cancer. Though the exact molecular and biochemical mechanisms by which food and diet can alter the promotion and progression of different types of cancer are not precise, many studies have shown that the source and type of fat in our diet, play a fundamental role in human carcinogenesis. Extra virgin Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest fats.
For all of these reasons, we can affirm without a doubt, that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil is very beneficial to our health. You can substitute olive oil as your oil for almost every meal and start taking advantage of its benefits now!
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
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