Olives are one of the oldest foods known to man, and the history of olive oil is nearly as old. Olives are thought to have originated on the island of Crete between five and seven thousand years ago. Since the most ancient times, olive trees were used to provide food, fuel and timber, and many civilizations saw olives as symbols of peace and wisdom. Olive oil has been a part of the human diet for at least five thousand years, and it continues to be an important element of good health in today’s world as well.
Olives and olive oil were brought to what is now the United States as far back as the 15th and 16th century, brought by Portuguese and Spanish explorers. The Franciscan missionaries introduced olives and olive oil to California during the late 18th century.
Olive oil has long been a staple of cooking in many Mediterranean countries, and it is a rich part of the Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and other common health problems. Much of the cultivation of olives for olive oil still takes place in these Mediterranean countries, with Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Turkey being important producers of olives and olive oil.
Olive oil is one of the most versatile of all the superfoods, and it is equally at home with pasta, fish, meat and salads. In addition, olive oil is available throughout the year at an excellent price.
Major benefits of eating olive oil
Olive oil is one of the most delicious, and also one of the healthiest of all oils used in cooking. Unlike many less healthy oils, olive oil is polyunsaturated oil, and it is rich in menstruated fat, which researchers have discovered has many health benefits. Olive oil is also one of the richest sources of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidant vitamins in the diet.
This strong antioxidant content may be responsible for the fact that olive oil has been associated with protection against many chronic degenerative diseases and aging related ailments. Consumption of olive oil is thought to provide protection against such conditions as atherosclerosis, asthma, diabetes, arthritis and colon cancer. In addition, olive oil is thought to provide protective benefits against the effects of a high fat diet.
Olive oil is also thought to have many heart healthy benefits. Studies have revealed that those whose diets are rich in olive oil are less at risk of arthrosclerosis. Studies have suggested that that the fats contained in olive oil are less likely to become oxidized and thereby harm the heart than the fats contained in other kinds of oil.
In addition to its other effects on the heart and cardiovascular system, olive oil is also thought to provide protection against high blood pressure, and some studies have suggested that olive oil may even
have the ability to reduce high blood pressure in those who suffer from the condition.
It is thought that olive oil may contain a number of anticancer benefits as well, and many studies into the cancer fighting effects of olive oil are underway. In particular, many of these studies have focused on the ability of olive oil to prevent breast cancer from forming.
Better control of blood sugar is another important benefit of olive oil, as is better control of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and blood sugar regulating properties have long been known, and these properties are the subject of further study.
Additional information: In addition to its many health benefits, olive oil is versatile, delicious and easy to use. It is thought that simply replacing other less healthy cooking oils with healthier olive oil can have a significant impact on health and well being.
There are many ways to work olive oil into the daily diet, from dressing up a salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to sprinkling olive oil over vegetables or pasta salad. Olive oil is an important part of any healthy diet.
In addition, substituting olive oil for other types of oil in the diet can have a significant impact on body weight. Many studies have shown that this small change can lead to a healthier diet and a healthier weight. There is no doubt that olive oil is one of the healthiest of all cooking oils, and it is important to incorporate this healthy oil into all your cooking.
For many cooks, nothing beats the taste sensation and health benefits of making their own olive oil from scratch. Many gourmet stores sell olive presses, and these can be a great way to make your own olive oil for healthy cooking.
While most olives are still sold in cans and jars, a number of whole food retailers are beginning to make them available in large bulk barrels. These bulk barrels can provide cooks with a great way to experiment with the many different varieties of olives on the market, so if your local food retailer offers fresh olives they are definitely worth a look.