Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is the major source of fat in a heart healthy Mediterranean diet and includes the following health benefits:
- Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which can improve blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease
- Extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols which act as antioxidants
- The FDA says eating 2 tablespoons of olive oil a day may reduce the risk of heart disease
The following links provide further details about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil
If olive oil is high in fat, why is it considered healthy? Donald Hensrud, M.D., Mayo Clinic
Pure, extra virgin olive oil is not only a light and delicate addition to many wonderful dishes, it is one of the most health-promoting types of oils available. The World's Healthiest Foods
The Mediterranean people use olive oil in almost everything they eat. WebMD
Recommendations for fat intake: "Out with the bad, in with the good." Harvard School of Public Health