HEALTH BENEFITS OF OLIVE OIL.

The Mediterranean diet is renowned as the finest example of a balanced diet that provides all of the necessary nutrients for a healthy life.

Extra virgin olive oil is the foundation upon which the majority of the dishes of the Mediterranean diet are prepared.

It can be declared that without extra virgin olive oil the Mediterranean diet would not exist.

For the population of the Mediterranean region, this form of nutrition exemplifies a traditional diet that can be perfectly maintained and adapted to the modern lifestyle.

Other cultures, such as the American, and Eastern and Northern European cultures, as well as other peoples, recognize the Mediterranean diet as a dietary model that is appealing for its gustatory qualities and the health benefits that it reports.

The nectar of the olive offers many beneficial health properties. These include:

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases, it can prevent heart attack and angina pectoris, which are the greatest causes of sickness and death in the Western world.

Prevention of arterial hypertension. Reduces blood pressure in people with high blood pressure and regulates it, preventing hypertension in healthy people.

Prevention of diabetes, contributing a better control of diabetes mellitus. As well, it can prevent or slow down its onset, by inhibiting insulin resistance. Likewise, it protects diabetics by reducing the blood glucose level.

Prevention of cancer, preventing certain types of cancer such as those of the colon, breast, and prostate. Extra virgin olive oil and fish oils can reduce the risk of suffering from these.

Anti-aging effects. It is difficult to determine whether the decrease in intellectual capacity associated with age is the consequence of a normal process of aging or if it is dementia. The Mediterranean diet, especially the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, seems to provide protection against the degenerative processes thanks to the antioxidant effect exercised by the vitamin E and the polyphenols contained in extra virgin olive oil.

Improves the circulation of the capillaries, veins, and arteries.

Improves the function of the pancreas and liver, contributing to the prevention of the formation of kidney stones.

Prevents the formation of rheumatoid arthritis.

Boosts the absorption of calcium and bone mineralization.

Increases the level of HDL cholesterol or “good cholesterol”.

Stimulates intestinal transit, preventing constipation. Regulates the function of the intestine, correcting chronic constipation.

Prevents the onset of ulcers and gastritis by reducing heartburn.

Boosts normal development of the brain and the nervous system of the fetus during pregnancy and of the child throughout childhood.

Protects from the oxidation of free radicals.

Excellent for skin care. Accelerates the healing of scars.

The Mediterranean diet is advisable for its gustatory values and for the health benefits it provides, and can be a model for the peoples and cultures that wish to improve their quality of life through a healthy and balanced diet.

From that perspective, olive oil, the foundation of the above-mentioned diet, constitutes the fundamental contribution to the collective health of the commercial mission of Atenea JRS Catalunya SLU through its range of Oleum Olea Mare Nostrum® products.

It is important to know about aspects of our health, for this reason we offer various links such as: www.internationaloliveoil.org (IOC) International Olive Council, www.salutimedi.com and www.gencat.cat/temes/eng/agricultura.htm, where you can obtain broader and more detailed information about the topic that concerns you the most.