Health Benefits

Olives are ancient, natural and healthy.

One of the best sources of reliable information on olives is the http://www.olivewellnessinstitute.org

There are numerous health benefits to the consumption of Olive Oil.  These include:

• Olive oil contains a wide variety of valuable antioxidants that are not found in other oils.
• Epidemiological studies suggest that olive oil may have a protective effect against certain malignant tumours.  Research has revealed that the “type” rather than the “quantity” of fat seems to have more implications for cancer incidence.  This could be related to oleic acid, which is the predominant mono-unsaturated fatty acid in olive oil.
• It has been demonstrated that the addition of olive oil to a diet that is not changed in any other way may have a lowering effect on blood pressure.
• An olive oil rich diet is not only a good alternative in the treatment of diabetes; it may also help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease by preventing insulin resistance and its possible harmful implications by raising HDL cholesterol, lowering triglycerides, and ensuring better blood sugar level control and lower blood pressure.
• Like all other fats and oils, olive oil is high in calories, which could suggest that it would contribute to obesity.  However, evidence shows that there is less obesity amongst Mediterranean people, who consume the most olive oil in the world.  It has been demonstrated that an olive oil rich diet could lead to greater and long-lasting weight loss than a low fat diet.  Olive oil tastes good and it is a stimulus to eat vegetables and pulses.
• Olive oil bolsters the immune system against external attacks from micro-organisms, bacteria or viruses.  The fatty acids in olive oil are good allies in lowering important immunological parameters.
• Olive oil is also good for the stomach, pancreas and intestines.  It helps with anti-aging, osteoporosis, cognitive function and skin damage, and is beneficial during pregnancy and whilst breast feeding.