Mediterranean Diet And Olive Oil

I have been a great fan of olive oil for many years, maybe as many as 35, since my early trip to the Mediterranean as a student. I was never aware of the potential health benefits at that time, but as those benefits came to get publicity as a result of research, I was not particularly surprised. However, I was pleased, and started to use olive oil even more often in England.

Olive oil is an important constituent of the Mediterranean diet, and no doubt contributes to the health positive views of that diet. Olives grow in the Mediterranean, and the oil from olives has been a staple part of the diet in the Mediterranean for centuries. There is a wide variety of olive oil, and if you are to use it in your own diet on a regular basis, it is worthwhile getting to know which type of oil is good for salad, which is best for low heat, and which is best for high heat. Some of the best olive oils are not good for high heat frying, so you would be wasting your money. I am sure I did in the early days of using olive oil.

What is it about olive oil that is so special when it comes to health? The short article below, by C. Bailey-Lloyd looks at olive oil and its health giving constituents.

Olive Oil: One of the Original Seven Wonders?

Is Olive Oil one of Nature's seven original wonders?

According to several resources, Olive oil IS nature's wonder drug. Olive oil is composed of and up to 30mg of Vitamin E, contains Provitamin A (carotene), has up to 83% Monounsaturated Fatty acis (oleic), contains up to 20% Polyunsaturated unfatty acis (Linoleic), and also has up to 23.5% Saturated fatty acids. Olive oil is gluten-free and virually salt-free and one teaspoon contributes 8% RDA for Vitamin E. According to scientific and medical findings, diets rich in olive oil promote good health and longevity. It also reduces unnecessary cholesterol and limits arteriosclerosis. Otherwise, Olive Oil is the homeopathic way to prevent coronory disease.

Some valuable information most people aren't aware of is that Olive oil is beneficial when used as a tanning oil. Rubbed on exposed areas, olive oil protects skin from harmful UVA rays and sunburns. Olive oil is also effective on peptic ulcers, bone development, nervous system development, and acts as antioxidants to keep the brain alert as we mature and grow older. Some cancers have actually been reduced in number (e.g., breast & ovarian cancer), in the Mediterannean due to olive oil consumption. There are also claims that Olive oil is a natural mosquito repellent too. With all the great benefits of Olive Oil, it makes one want to go out and buy the whole lot.

©04/2003

C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. LadyCamelot
Public Relations' Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction - Your Source for information on Massage Therapy Schools, Holistic Practitioners, Alternative Health, Insightful literature and more!