The latest research on olive oil brings good news for the industry. According to the International Olive Council, olive oil consumption has increased in recent years. Studies and estimations indicate that consumption has practically doubled in the last decade, increasing by up to 3%. These are not unimportant figures, especially considering recent economic and health crises.
Olive Oil – the latest update
The latest update on olive oil consumption provides interesting information for the industry:
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
In one of the most recent studies, published in 2022, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concluded that olive oil consumption prevents cardiovascular damage. Half a tablespoon of olive oil a day can reduce chances of developing heart disease by up to 14%.
Harvard experts from the study, Marta Guasch, Gang Liu, and Laura Sampson, recommend replacing fatty foods such as margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy with olive oil to minimize the risk of cardiopathy.
This research is supported by the latest study published in the same scientific journal in 2022. In a study of almost 100,000 people, researchers confirmed that “higher olive oil intake was associated with lower risk of total and cause-specific mortality,” and that replacing the above-mentioned fatty foods with olive oil was associated with a lower risk of death.
The value of extra virgin olive oil
Although all types of oil are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, extra virgin olive oil offers 75% of these healthy fats by volume, according to Howard LeWine, M.D., Editor in Chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch.
“Extra virgin olive oil is pressed mechanically from ripe olives and processed without high heat or chemical solvents. This protects chemicals in the oil called phenols. In contrast, regular, highly processed olive oils lose these chemicals.”
Olive oil health benefits study
With these studies in mind, here’s a quick refresher on the main benefits of olive oil for our health:
A natural anti-inflammatory
The nutrients in extra virgin olive oil contain natural anti-inflammatory properties. This means less pain in the digestive system and no need to resort to typical over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, which can be harmful to our health with repeated use.
Memory improvement
The results of a 2019 study suggest that consuming extra virgin olive oil rich in oleocanthal may help slow or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Extra virgin olive oil is also beneficial for overall brain health.
A home remedy for the skin
Olive oil is a wonderful alternative to conventional skin creams and ointments. In addition to the natural fatty acids it contains, olive oil’s vitamin and mineral properties lend themselves to glowing skin. Olive oil also does a fantastic job of moisturizing and repairing dry, chapped, and cracked lips.
Now that you know the powerful benefits of olive oil, why not include Italica extra virgin olive oil in your daily routine?
