Extra Virgin Olive Oil

History

Olive oil is an oil obtained from the olive.The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean basin. In the Eastern Mediterranean olive oil was being extracted from olives for more then 5000 years. Olive oil, being almost pure fat, is dense in calories yet healthy, without adverse health effects. The grades of oil extracted from the olive fruit can be classified as virgin and refined. Virgin means the oil was produced by the use of physical means and no chemical treatment. Refined means that the oil has been chemically treated to neutralize strong tastes and neutralize the acid content. Refined oil is commonly regarded as lower quality than virgin oil. Oils with the retail labels extra virgin or virgin olive oil cannot contain any refined oil. Keep in mind that refined is better cooking, and virgin is better to use it fresh, not heated. I usually use domestic (not labeled) extra virgin olive oil that I buy directly from people who make it in Croatia (Dalmatia) or Greece. It usually have richer flavor and intense darker color then ones you can find in a supermarkets. I highly recommend that whenever you have chance to visit any Mediterranean country like Italy, Croatia, Greece, Spain grab some domestic olive oil. It is just great.

Health 

Olive oil contains a wide variety of valuable antioxidants that are not found in other oils. Hydroxytyrosol is thought to be the main antioxidant compound in olives, and believed to play a significant role in the many health benefits attributed to olive oil. Olive oil has a protective effect against certain malignant tumors in the breast, prostate, econometric and digestive tract. Olive oil is considerably rich in monounsaturated fats and is linked with a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. Eating about 2 tbsp (23 g) of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the monounsaturated fat in olive oil. To achieve this possible benefit, olive oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.Olive oil has been known for generations not only for its healing qualities but also as a natural, deep penetration moisturizer, regenerating skin cells and softening the tissue. In the summertime when your skin is exposed to the sun more, spraying olive oil on your skin can feed it and keep it healthy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 tbsp
Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 119 Calories 119
% Daily Values*
Total Fat 13.5g		21%
	Saturated Fat 1.864g	9%
	Polyunsaturated Fat 1.421g
	Monounsaturated Fat 9.85g
Cholesterol 0mg		0%
Sodium 0mg		0%
Potassium 0mg
Total Carbohydrate 0g		0%
	Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
	Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A       0% Vitamin C 0%
Calcium         0% Iron 3%