Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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A range of best quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Choosing extra virgin olive oil as your main source of dietary fat is good for your health. When eaten as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet – high in fruits, vegetables and wholegrain breads and cereals – olive oil is thought to have a positive impact on a person’s health. It not only contributes nutrients to the diet, but may also reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. It may also increase your life expectancy.

The Mediterranean diet
Olive oil is a major component of the 'Mediterranean diet'. Research shows that people living in Mediterranean regions have reduced risk for certain chronic diseases and longer life expectancy, compared with other groups of people in the world. This is despite their high dietary fat intake, which usually makes up a large proportion of their total energy intake (more than 30 per cent).

A famous study carried out in the 1950s showed there were differences in the patterns of disease occurring among Mediterranean populations compared with those living in northern Europe and North America. This was thought to be related to diet. Over the next 30 years, investigators also found that the Mediterranean diet was associated with low rates of degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and certain types of cancers, as well as increased life expectancy.

Scientific study of the incidence, control and spread of disease in a range of population groups supports the popular interest in olive oil as a healthy food. Its chemical components have been extensively studied to help understand how they might protect our health. Olive oil is thought to not only contribute nutrients to the diet, but also to have a positive impact on health.

The Mediterranean diet and consumption of olive oil is associated with a low incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Lyon Diet Heart Study reported lower rates of coronary recurrence in people who consumed a Mediterranean diet. Other studies have focused specifically on olive oil and show that use of olive oil may reduce cardiovascular risk factors by decreasing plasma triglycerides, total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, platelet activation, inflammation and oxidative damage. It is also thought to increase high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and antioxidant status.

Research suggests that olive oil may also have a role in lowering the risk of several types of cancers, including breast, colon, lung, ovarian and skin cancers. Chemical compounds specific to olive oil, known as phenolics, appear to combat the build-up of free radicals in the body and may be able to reduce oxidative damage to DNA.

A number of studies have shown that olive oil may also help reduce or manage blood pressure, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and immune function.