Benefits of Olive Oil

When we think about olive oil, we immediately associate it with the great benefits this product offers. But is this unfounded? If we stop to think, other oils are simply fats without an interesting nutritional contribution. So why is olive oil considered healthy? Throughout this post, we will delve into these reasons and review the benefits of olive oil.

There are multiple oils in the market. We can find sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil… all these oils are vegetable fats extracted from seeds. So, it’s unthinkable to obtain oil directly from them. To get the oil, a refining process is carried out using chemical solvents like hexane or through the use of an expeller press.

In contrast, extra virgin olive oil is directly pressed from the olive, as it is a fruit and not a seed. It is a pure product without chemicals or additives. When you consume extra virgin olive oil, you are consuming the juice of an olive extracted through mechanical processes.

This fruit, with its dense and flavorful liquid, contains a large number of trace elements essential for the proper functioning of our cells. This is one of the keys that make olive oil an essential part of any diet. But that’s not the only reason; there are more nutrients that make it a unique product.

Green olives are rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols can be found in almost any plant-derived element and are most present in extra virgin olive oil. We can already tell you that it is one of the components with the greatest benefits for our health and, in addition, one of the elements that most influences the taste of the oil.

If we delve into the world of polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil, the following have been isolated: hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleacein, oleocanthal, oleuropein aglycone (closed aldehyde forms), oleomissional, ligustroside aglycone (closed aldehyde forms), oleocoronol, apigenin, luteolin, and oleocanthal. The latter is the focus of studies due to its positive correlation between consumption and a lower percentage of heart attacks, among other factors.

As you may have noticed, polyphenols play a significant role within the oil itself. However, not all oils have the same percentage. To have these properties, you must consume extra virgin olive oil, preferably the early harvest. This is because the highest concentration is found in green olives. Therefore, in early oils with olives harvested in October, we will have greater beneficial properties for our health.

Benefits of Olive Oil

After understanding the chemical characteristics that make up this green gold, let’s go through one by one its recognized benefits:

1. Natural antioxidant: Oleocanthal is an antioxidant and antithrombotic, providing a cardioprotective effect against atherosclerosis, a narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to the natural loss of elasticity associated with aging.
2. Ally against cholesterol: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat beneficial for blood vessels that reduces bad cholesterol.
3. Prevents heart attacks: There is a correlation between the consumption of extra virgin olive oil and a lower number of heart attacks. Various studies have shown that individuals who include olive oil in their diet are less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties: Oleocanthal, found in olive oil, acts as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, similar to natural ibuprofen. Studies suggest that including extra virgin olive oil in the diet reduces the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases and helps alleviate pain.
5. Improves mental health: Research has shown that the monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil slow down brain aging and contribute to better preservation of cognitive functions.
6. Connection between olive oil consumption and longevity: Studies indicate that individuals who consume extra virgin olive oil tend to have greater longevity, attributed to its antioxidant, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory properties that combat cell-damaging diseases.
7. Potential inhibition of cancer-related angiogenesis: Recent studies suggest that extra virgin olive oil consumption may inhibit angiogenesis, slowing the development of metastasis and the spread of various tumor processes.
8. Helps regulate intestinal transit: The mild laxative effect of olive oil components aids in regulating intestinal transit.
9. Natural antimicrobial: Olive oil helps combat unhealthy microbes and bacteria, even those resistant to antibiotics, providing protection against colds and various diseases.
10. Improves skin health: Extra virgin olive oil, rich in hydration and antioxidants, serves as an ally in maintaining radiant, soft, and smooth skin, preventing premature aging.

Since ancient times, it has been referred to as “liquid gold.” Today, scientific studies confirm that the benefits of extra virgin olive oil make it an elixir against aging. Consuming extra virgin olive oil means enjoying a product rich in health-beneficial nutrients that also tastes delicious.

Early Harvest Heraldo Oils

Experience all these nutrients with our early harvest oil, which has a higher concentration of polyphenols, offering an aroma and flavor that transports you to the olive groves of the Sierra de Cazorla.