Though the health benefits of olive oil have only become a topic for discussion in the US in the relatively recent past, all over the Mediterranean they have been widely resourced for centuries. Folk remedies that address everything from dry skin, acne and wrinkles to aching muscles and hangovers have influenced olive oil-producing cultures for hundreds of years. In the modern era, the heart-healthy benefits of the oil are being discovered, and people all over the world are looking at the Mediterranean diet as an avenue toward improved health.

The Mediterranean nutrition pyramid reflects the basic food philosophy of the region — a diet based on the consumption of local and seasonal whole foods, with grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes and nuts, olives and olive oil playing the primary roles. Dairy products, poultry, fish and lean red meats are used more sparingly, and processed and highly refined foods are kept to a minimum.

In the US, where cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death, the benefits of the Mediterranean way of eating are becoming increasingly more important. The FDA released a statement in November of 2004 regarding the heart-healthy qualities of monounsaturated fats, which are found in the greatest concentration in olive oil. Research indicates that monounsaturated fats consumed as part of a well-balanced diet can help reduce the levels of harmful LDLs in the blood while preserving the level of HDLs (“good cholesterol”), reducing the risk of heart disease.

The only oil derived from a fruit, olive oil is also rich in vitamins and antioxidant polyphenols, including Vitamin E. When it is derived with careful attention to the entire process, from picking to milling, extraction to storage, many of those beneficial properties remain intact. Oxidation occurs naturally in our bodies, producing potentially cell-damaging free radicals that can speed the aging process and increase the risk of disease. Those olive oils which have not been highly refined result in a superior product that can help protect against the incidence of cell damage caused by free radicals.

Embracing the Mediterranean diet and incorporating olive oil as the primary source of fat appears to increase longevity and combat numerous health challenges. McEvoy Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an unrefined oil produced with care and attention attaining the highest level of flavor and quality. Saluté.

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