It uses extra virgin olive oil
Olive oil is widely recognized as one of the healthiest oils in the world. In fact, people who tend to live longer and healthier lives in regions where olive oil is a staple of the diet. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality olive oil available , and is obtained from the olive fruit without the use of heat and chemicals. Extra virgin olive oil is a fantastic source of antioxidants and healthy fats Regular olive oil is refined and devoid of important nutrients and antioxidants. In contrast, the natural extraction process used to produce extra virgin olive oil ensures the retention of all nutrients and antioxidants from the fruit. In particular, it contains over 30 different types of phenolic compounds that are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that cause cell damage and contribute to disease and the aging process.
The fatty composition of extra virgin olive oil is also a major contributor to its health. It consists primarily of unsaturated fats (approximately 73%), a heart-healthy fat that is a major part of the Mediterranean diet. Studies consistently link a diet rich in monounsaturated fats with beneficial effects on markers of cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke). These include lowering markers of chronic inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels.
Extra virgin olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which are believed to protect cardiovascular health.
More olive oil can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Interestingly, the population living in the Mediterranean regions has a low mortality rate from heart disease. Although this is due to a combination of factors, their high consumption of extra virgin olive oil is considered to be the main one.
The active compounds in extra virgin olive oil appear to have strong cardio-protective properties, such as helping to lower blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
One giant review study, which included data from over 840.000 respondents, found that those who ate the most olive oil were 9% less likely to have heart problems and 11% less likely to die early than those who ate least olive oil.
Extra virgin olive oil contains a number of active compounds that contribute to heart health. Observational studies consistently reveal that those who consume the most have a lower risk of heart disease.
Olive oil can protect against stroke, Stroke is the second biggest killer after heart disease. It is closely linked to heart disease and shares many of the same risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. A French study that compared olive oil use and frequency stroke that those who consumed the highest amounts of olive oil had a 41% lower risk of stroke. Similar results have also been found in a number of other studies.
These findings make sense because people who use olive oil will replace other less healthy heart fats in their diet. Combine this with the high content of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil and it is clear why it seems to have a beneficial effect on the health of the cardiovascular system.
