Celebrate life and your commitment to better health by using foods that provide extra benefits

 

We call these "functional foods" due to their health-promoting benefits.  Another term used in the medical research is "Polymeal" which means to habitually consume dietary items such as red wine, dark chocolate, olive oil, fresh fish, whey protein, vegetable concentrates so that the diet is loaded with food items that provide additional and synergistic benefits.

 

 

Quick Summary on Olive Oil's benefits

• Food source: Olive oil (Olea europaea)

• Most notable phytochemicals: a large group of phenolic antioxidants which provide the green color to the olive oil; oleocanthal and oleuropein provide anti-inflammatory and anti-viral benefits; the primary type of fat or fatty acid in olive oil is oleic acid--this is an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid that has anti-cancer and cardioprotective benefits; a minor constituent is a fatty acid called squalene, which also has antiinflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective benefits.

• Health benefits: Many large research studies published in major journals have shown that habitual consumption of olive oil is associated with reduced rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.  This must be due to the high levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant constituents in olive oil.  Notably, the oleocanthal in olive oil--the component responsible for the bitter taste and the burning or cough-provoking sensation--is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent with stronger activity than the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen; however, olive oil does not have the negative effects of ibuprofen. 

"Newly pressed extra-virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal — a compound whose pungency induces a strong stinging sensation in the throat, not unlike that caused by solutions of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen. We show here that this similar perception seems to be an indicator of a shared pharmacological activity, with oleocanthal acting as a natural anti-inflammatory compound that has a potency and profile strikingly similar to that of ibuprofen. Although structurally dissimilar, both these molecules inhibit the same cyclooxygenase enzymes in the prostaglandin-biosynthesis pathway."

 

Beauchamp GK, Keast RS, Morel D, Lin J, Pika J, Han Q, Lee CH, Smith AB, Breslin PA. Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature. 2005 Sep 1;437(7055):45-6

• Where to obtain: We carry premium organic olive oil.  

• Risks or potential adverse effects: No real risk assuming that olive oil is not overconsumed to the point of caloric excess and weight gain.

• Discussion: Olive oil should be part of nearly everyone's regular diet.

	Premium Organic Olive oil: Organic Limited Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil This single-estate Tuscan extra virgin olive oil is produced in limited quantities each harvest year. Made from 100% organic Tuscan olives pressed within 24 hours of harvest, this extra virgin olive oil has an exquisite Tuscan tasting profile. It is "green", with notes of artichoke and a distinct peppery finish. A product of sustainable agriculture, the olives are harvested by hand at precisely the right time and crushed within 24 hours to capture the maximum freshness of the olive fruit and its legendary health benefits. This oil is certified Kosher Parve. Lucini Italia naturally achieves it's low acidity which is less than half of what is legally required to be classified as extra virgin.   Ingredients: 100% Tuscan olive oil     [Order Now]
	Organic Olive oil: Newman's Own Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Size: 25 ounce tinted glass bottle   Ingredients: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Product of Tunisia   Nutritional Facts:      Serving Size - 1 Tbls (15ml)      Calories 130      Total Fat 14g      Cholesterol 0mg      Sodium 0m      Total Carbohydrates 0g (dietary fiber 0g, sugar 5g)      Protein 0g [Order Now]