Opa! What Is It About Olive Oil?

There has been much hubbub about the Mediterranean diet since the 1990's. This way of eating has remained popular because it is not one of the come and go fad diet's that suit the whim of creative marketing specialists. The health benefits are real and 100's of years of Meditarranean folk are proof of this. So what is it about this way of living that has so much value for human health?

The emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish and healthy fats are certainly responsible for the beneficial effects as well as the smaller portions. In addition, the slow manner in which foods are consumed maximizes the function of the digestive system. One of the big players in this bounty is olive oil. And not just any kind, extra virgin olive oil is what provides a myriad of phytochemicals to benefit our bodies. Unprocessed olive oil is full of antioxidants and contains a high concentration of monounsaturated fats which are more stable and less likely to produce free radicals that damage our cells. Many researchers believe that it may help prevent breast and ovarian cancers through the action of oleic acid. This monounsaturated fatty acid is believed to suppress a gene that is responsible for over 25% of breast cancer cases. What's more, a meta-analysis of individuals with diabetes who consumed a diet high in monounsaturated fats were found to have improved fat profiles as well as improved blood sugar control. With the energy intake being controlled, no evidence was found that a diet high in mono's induced weight gain.

Making olive oil a staple in your diet is a good choice for your health particularly if you consume it in place of other unhealthy fats, such as trans-fats. It is important to understand that the health benefits of fats are increasingly lost the more the oil is processed. To avoid this, choose only extra virgin olive oil and make it organic when you can. Extra virgin comes from the highest quality olives from which you will reap the greatest benefits. When choosing recipes, be certain that the maximum cooking temperature is 350 degrees to preserve the fatty acids. Better yet, dribble it uncooked onto roasted veggies and salads.

If you would like to learn more about how to incorporate the Mediterranean style in your kitchen, join us for our first cooking class in 2010. We will present more helpful health information and ideas on how to prepare easy Greek meals. Visit our website for more details...
http://www.healthlinksclinic.com/classes.html