Olive oil: Do you know its health benefits?

Benefits of Greek Olive Oil

• Greek olive oil is rich in vitamins E & K

• Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats

• Contains large amounts of antioxidants

• Has strong anti-inflammatory properties

• Lowers blood pressure

• Improves bone mineralization and calcification

• Reduces the risks of stokes

• Acts as a natural protector

• Lowers risk of arthritis

• Antibacterial properties

• Reduces risk of Type 2 diabetes

Quite often I am asked what is the best olive oil?!?! Not all OILS are created equal is my usual response. 

The picture above was taken at my family’s olive groves in 2019. They farm, cultivate, harvest olives, and mill extra virgin olive oil. I feel very fortunate to have indulged in some of the purest EVOO (extra virgin olive oil). The olive branch is very symbolic to me, and why it is part of my logo. There are many meanings behind the olive tree. It represents friendship and reconciliation, cleansing and healing, light, victory and richness, and, above all, a sign of peace. It is a plant that should be treated with reverence as it holds many spiritual gifts.

Tips

Some of my favorite EVOO I use here in the States are: Kosterina (Whole Foods), Iliada Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Global Foods Market-Kirkwood), Sparta Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Alexander Foods, LLC).

Easy ways to incorporate into your diet

Cold pressed olive oil is not only a great cooking oil for sautéing, roasting, and baking, but also ideal for finishing salads, soups, pizza or as a dip alongside crusty bread.

Replacing saturated fat with this oil may be particularly beneficial for your health. When cooking, replace butter, shortening, lard, or bacon grease with cold pressed olive oil.