The Health Benefits

So much more than the taste...

 

‘Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a staple ingredient of the Mediterranean diet - the healthiest in the world.’ 

 

You've heard this a lot, right? Of course, the health benefits of all olive oils far outweigh those of alternative fat sources; however, most of the olive oil consumed in the Mediterranean is organic and freshly produced.  The production process of olive oil has a direct impact on the health benefits associated with its consumption.

 

Good Fats and Great Skin!

Olive oils are rich in Monounsaturated fats – These lower your LDL cholesterol levels (the bad ones!) and subsequently reduce the risk of clogged arteries. Replacing your usual butter, margarine or unhealthy oils with a good quality olive oil can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.  Rich in omega-3, it also helps to keep your heart healthy by lowering your blood pressure levels. The Vitamin E content can help you to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. Whether as part of your diet or applied directly like a beauty product, the oil has a softening effect and can reduce signs of ageing.

 

Cold Pressed to Preserve Antioxidants

One of the most publicised benefits of olive oil consumption in recent years, however, is its cancer-preventing properties. Antioxidants such as polyphenols are naturally present in all olives. This doesn't necessarily mean that all olive oils will contain a high concentration of these. Many production methods, particularly those involving heat, destroy the antioxidants before they have even reached the bottle.  At Giuliano’s, all our olives are cold pressed on the day of harvest - not only to ensure maximum freshness and the best possible taste but to preserve those vital antioxidants.

 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: properties and benefits

  • The extra virgin olive oil has many useful properties to the health of our body, it is obtained from the pressing of the olives that are the fruit of the olive tree (or olive tree) whose scientific name is Olea europeae.

    Olive oil, unlike all the other oils that are obtained from seeds, is the only one that is obtained from the fruit of the plant. The extra virgin olive oil is obtained from the mechanical pressing of the olives excluding any industrial processing.

    To deserve the name of extra virgin olive oil, in addition to being extracted in purely mechanical manner, the oil must not be subject to any type of heating. Its degree of acidity should not be more than 0.8% and its score from an organoleptic point of view should not be less than 6.5. All oils that do not meet these characteristics are marketed under other names.

    Chemical Composition Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    The extra virgin olive oil contains 99.9% of lipids, vitamin E and vitamin K.

    Minerals: the extra virgin olive oil contains potassium, sodium, calcium, iron and zinc.

    Lipids are composed of triglycerides which are the main constituents of the oil and which are formed from fatty acids.

    Other constituents are:

    simple phenols: tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol

    Flavones: apigenin and luteolin

    Flavonols: quercetin and kaempferol

    Acids: caffeic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic, coumaric, caffeic, vanillic, syringic, oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic

    Carotenes and chlorophylls are instead of pigments that contribute to oil staining. In addition to these we also find the terpenes, lignans, rutin, anthocyanins, and volatile substances such as hydrocarbons, alcohols and aldehydes.

    Properties Benefits of 'Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    Lowers Cholesterol
    staple food of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is now considered a key element in the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

    Various studies conducted on several occasions, have been demonstrated several beneficial properties of extra virgin olive oil. Phytosterols, a group of sterols in oil, has the property of lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Added to this is the activity of monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and palmitoleic acid which, as well, and reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, increase the amount of HDL good cholesterol.

    Studies show that these substances help to prevent heart disease and stroke. Research conducted in France on elderly patients has shown that regular intake of extra virgin olive oil is capable of reducing by 41% the risk of stroke.

     

    Blood pressure
    It decreases by about 30% the chance of heart attack and lowers blood pressure. The polyphenols and vitamin E present in the oil of extra virgin olive oil, thanks to their antioxidant action, help to prevent arteriosclerosis and slow down the aging of cells.

    Arthritis and Osteoporosis
    There are not yet clear the mechanism by which it works Recent studies have shown that people who adopt a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil, are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

    also they have been highlighted benefits in respect of the bones with respect to the prevention of osteoporosis. It seems that the regular intake of olive oil enhances the absorption of calcium by the body.

    antitumor
    As reported by several studies, there are data that correlate the use of extra virgin olive oil with a reduction of certain types of cancer. Notably changes in the breast. In addition, the specific mortality is highest in northern European countries compared to countries in the Mediterranean region.

    Diabetes
    An article published in the journal Diabetes Care showed that a diet rich in this precious liquid is able to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly 50%.

    It was always thought that a high-fat diet might increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Thanks to ongoing studies on the subject now we know that it is not the amount of fat to affect our health but rather the quality. A diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids such as those contained in the oil extra virgin olive oil and dried fruit can protect the body from many of these diseases.

    Depression
    A studio of Spanish claims that a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids that are present in virgin olive oil, fish and some vegetables, have properties that can be beneficial in the prevention of depression.

    Alzheimer's
    A study published in Chemical Neuroscience, showed that the oleocantale, the substance responsible for the pizzichìo throat, have properties useful in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's.

    Digestive properties
    It is known to have beneficial effects on digestion. It is used as a medicinal oil to clean the digestive system and improve bowel movement as well with preventive effects against constipation.

     

    Blood vessels
    The polyphenols present in extra virgin olive strengthen cell walls and increase the elasticity of blood vessel walls offering protection to the cardiovascular.

    Cognitive function
    The Mediterranean diet is also known for its beneficial properties towards cognitive functions, especially in the elderly and adults. A study conducted in France on adult and elderly patients has shown that regular use of extra virgin olive oil is able to enhance visual memory and verbal ability.

    Sale Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    The extra virgin olive oil is a very healthy and natural food. It has a high digestibility which helps the liver. At the same time it regulates the gastric function and thus decreases the risk of developing a duodenal ulcer.

    The extra virgin olive oil is distinguished from other edible oils as it bears much of the other high temperatures. It is by far the most suitable for frying, preserving its properties without deterioration, resisting temperatures up to 180 °.

    clarifications
     

    They often hear voices that claim that the extra virgin olive oil is generally more fat than other oils. This is completely false. In fact all types of oil are made up to 99% from fat and therefore their intake of calories is the same for all.

    Another fairly widespread rumor is that which supports the extra virgin olive oil heaviness, but fortunately the studies have shown the opposite, namely that the extra virgin olive oil has a high digestibility.

    Probably this bias arises from the fact that the extra virgin olive oil is very flavorful and aromatic, despite other worked with solvents and odor private, so as to give a feeling of lightness, but it's just a feeling.

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Calories
    Every 100 grams of extra virgin olive oil has a calorie intake of 884 calories.

 

 

At Guiliano’s, we’re passionate about the health and beauty benefits of our organic oil. Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil is suitable for all diets including Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Raw, and Halal.

 

 

 

See our full range of Extra Virgin Olive Oils