9 REASONS TO EAT GREEK EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Did you know that health experts recommend the consumption of two to three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day for a healthier overall diet? Here in Greece, we eat waaaaaay more than that! Us Greeks are lucky… very lucky! We have the kind of luck which is directly linked to our eating habits. However, we often tend to forget or take some things for granted. I am referring to our access to Greek extra virgin olive oil.
In our country, we produce a high - quality olive oil in abundance. It is the star of the Mediterranean diet and a great nutritional treasure with numerous benefits for human health.
Let’s make a list of 9 reasons to introduce Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil to our diet:
1. Its flavor
Obviously! Greek extra virgin olive oil is really unique. It’s delicious and flavorful! This may be a common to Greeks, but people who live in non-Mediterranean countries treat it as a rare, gourmet element.
2. It helps reduce weight
One of Greek extra virgin olive oil’s main and most important features, is it degrades fat through the body's own fat cells. The monounsaturated fatty acids replace the saturated fatty acids and it also helps regulate insulin. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to aid in fat loss. It helps you feel full, while it reduces abdominal fat.
3. It improves sex life
The omega-3 fatty acids found in the olive oil, assist the bloodstream and increase the blood flow, which boosts our libido.
4. It has anti-cancer properties
The ingredients of olive oil, stimulate the immune system and help longevity. It also helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some forms of cancer!
5. It fights Alzheimer's
The monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil, prevent the brain from weakening. They also combat the development of diseases that reduce cognitive ability, such as Alzheimer's.
6. It has anti-aging properties
It is no coincidence that olive oil is an essential ingredient in many anti-aging beauty products. This happens because the vitamins A, D, E and K found in olive oil help protect against free radicals and cell oxidation, which means it works as an anti-aging agent.
7. It is good for pregnant women
Pregnant women should definitely eat olive oil. It improves the baby's psychomotor reflexes and gives it developmental benefits.
8. It is a natural painkiller
As research has shown, olive oil contains substances with anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can work as a natural painkiller.
9. It fights diseases
High levels of antioxidants strengthen the body's immune system and protect from diseases. It also improves blood micro - circulation to the lungs and makes breathing easier.
So in closing, make sure to include Greek extra virgin olive oil in your diet. Add it to your meal for flavor, increase libido, to fight disease or any of the many health benefits. Do you have another reason why? I’d love to hear from you!