When we talk about the Mediterranean diet it is impossible not to talk about olive oil and vice versa.
Extra virgin olive oil is one of its essential components, and although it has only been a few decades since its valuable contribution to health has been scientifically recognized, olive cultivation and oil extraction have been made for more than 6,000 years. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman, used it not only for its culinary qualities but also for its medicinal properties, which they knew empirically.
When we talk about the Mediterranean diet it’s impossible not to talk about olive oil and vice versa.
Currently, in Spain, there are more than 260 native cultivated olive varieties, and it remains, as in ancient times, the world’s leading producer of olive oil.
The Mediterranean diet in 2010 received, from Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), recognition as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. A recognition that extends to all the benefits of EVOO, which continue to confirm numerous investigations around the world. Many of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet are directly related to the consumption of polyphenols and other natural antioxidants, mainly found in virgin olive oil and also in red wine.
Did you know that olive oil is good in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and coronary heart diseases?
And in addition to all this, it has other health properties:
Relieves earache
Reduces Snoring
Conditions the hair
And it can relieve depressive states
Although EVOO can be used for cooking, it is advisable to take it raw, that way retains all of its properties.
As for the Mediterranean diet, we must say that it’s a lifestyle since its best effects are achieved when combined with moderate physical activity and other practices that avoid emotional stress. This nutritional model owes its name to Professor Ancel Keys, who conducted the first epidemiological study on dietary fats and cardiovascular disease, known as the study of 7 countries, during the 50s of the last century.
Another characteristic of the Mediterranean diet is that it is possible to eat almost any type of food, always respecting the amounts and the periodicity in its consumption established in the food pyramid.
