In industrial towns and cities, there is a notorious obesity problem, largely caused by sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits. This problem affects millions of people, who are at an increased risk of diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is one of the main components in the Mediterranean diet, where it is used in most meals. EVOO is considered to be one of the healthiest food products. It is also known to help maintain body weight and a high quality of life.
Being overweight is directly linked to the ratio of calories consumed and calories burnt. It is therefore somewhat contradictory to think that a high calorific food such as EVOO can actually help us to maintain a healthy weight.
The truth about Extra Virgin Olive Oil and excess weight
The reality is that if we look at statistics from Mediterranean countries, who are the largest consumers of EVOO in the world, we observe that the amount of overweight people is much lower than in English-speaking countries, where the incidence rates are 38.2% in the United States, 30.7% in New Zealand, and around 27% in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
EVOO plays an important role in maintaining these positive statistics in the Mediterranean, as it has a great nutritional value and promotes a greater consumption of healthy foods such as salads and vegetables, which are also fundamental pillars of the Mediterranean diet.
A solution to obesity
People who suffer from obesity can reverse their condition, by consuming fewer calories than what they usually consume on a daily basis. As mentioned above, consuming EVOO is also a way of adapting to healthier eating habits, by enhancing the flavour of the food and its nutritional content.
The Mediterranean diet also promotes a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of time each day to go for a walk and for time spent with family. This combination of factors is what produces such positive statistics, as seen across the Mediterranean.
Starting today, we invite you to use more EVOO in your favourite dishes and to adopt healthier eating habits. And, if you are overweight, we recommend you follow the Mediterranean diet.
Of course, if you are looking for high quality olive oils, choose one that bears the SIQEV seal. Those are the ones that provide not only an exquisite flavour, but also the greatest health benefits.
