Olive Oil Natures Perfect Elixir
Olive oil and lemon as a salad dressing
One of the best diets in the world - for the human body - is from the Mediterranean region; a culture which includes the frequent use of olive oil in many dishes. Olive oil is used as much there, as butter is in the western diet; hence the reason it’s considered a superior diet.
Olive oil adds nutrition, taste and aroma to many recipes, among them; olive oil mixed with garlic and lemon juice is a superb salad dressing with a pinch of salt added; this combination is also used for artichokes, when after cooking the artichokes one can remove the pedals, dip them in the oil and enjoy the treat – don’t forget the tasty artichoke heart at the end!
Olive oil can be used as a marinade for any food, and mixed with various spices creates a delightful flavour for; vegetables, poultry, fish, seafood, beef, and turkey among other favourites. Try basting a turkey with olive oil, and watch the guests come back for more. It is also delicious in combination with balsamic vinegar used as a dip for bread, but make sure the bread is fresh! Another way to enjoy olive oil is with avacados; simply prepare the marinade of olive oil, lemons, garlic and salt, peel the avocados, slice them into small bite size portions, and mix them into the bowl with oil and toss. This will be a favourite every time!
The process of making this essential oil starts with Mother Nature and the olive tree.
Olives are picked from the trees when they are ripe during a two to three week period. When they are handpicked during this time, they are at their best regarding nutrition and taste. The olives and pits are pressed by rollers resulting in paste. Water is slowly added to the paste and stirred and may be heated up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit; this however, still allows it to be considered “cold pressed”. The process further refines the oil before it is bottled and shipped.
Olive oil may be good for you, but there are many companies out there adding canola, sunflower, vegetable and even peanut oil to it in order to produce it cheaper and have a larger profit margin. As a general rule of thumb, look for cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil. Check the contents of the bottle as well; authentic olive oil may have remnants (particles) of the process in the bottle. Avoid the labels of; virgin, pure, pomace, or refined olive oil; they will not have the nutrients which make olive oil a smart heart choice, as they may very well be diluted versions containing other oils.
Olive oil adds nutrition, taste and aroma to many recipes, among them; olive oil mixed with garlic and lemon juice is a superb salad dressing with a pinch of salt added; this combination is also used for artichokes, when after cooking the artichokes one can remove the pedals, dip them in the oil and enjoy the treat – don’t forget the tasty artichoke heart at the end!
Olive oil can be used as a marinade for any food, and mixed with various spices creates a delightful flavour for; vegetables, poultry, fish, seafood, beef, and turkey among other favourites. Try basting a turkey with olive oil, and watch the guests come back for more. It is also delicious in combination with balsamic vinegar used as a dip for bread, but make sure the bread is fresh! Another way to enjoy olive oil is with avacados; simply prepare the marinade of olive oil, lemons, garlic and salt, peel the avocados, slice them into small bite size portions, and mix them into the bowl with oil and toss. This will be a favourite every time!
The process of making this essential oil starts with Mother Nature and the olive tree.
Olives are picked from the trees when they are ripe during a two to three week period. When they are handpicked during this time, they are at their best regarding nutrition and taste. The olives and pits are pressed by rollers resulting in paste. Water is slowly added to the paste and stirred and may be heated up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit; this however, still allows it to be considered “cold pressed”. The process further refines the oil before it is bottled and shipped.
Olive oil may be good for you, but there are many companies out there adding canola, sunflower, vegetable and even peanut oil to it in order to produce it cheaper and have a larger profit margin. As a general rule of thumb, look for cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil. Check the contents of the bottle as well; authentic olive oil may have remnants (particles) of the process in the bottle. Avoid the labels of; virgin, pure, pomace, or refined olive oil; they will not have the nutrients which make olive oil a smart heart choice, as they may very well be diluted versions containing other oils.
Olive oil in a bottle looks pretty
|
|
Olive oil also has many health benefits. The oil is accepted well by the stomach, and may have a good effect on ulcers, gastritis, and prevent the production of gallstones, and can also reduce blood pressure when taken regularly. Olive oil raises the good cholesterol in the body and lowers the bad cholesterol, resulting in a healthier heart; it also contains
antioxidants to assist in heart and overall body health. Colon cancer rates are lower when olive oil is in the diet and it also contains polyphenols which are essential for heart health.
To optimize the health benefits be sure to replace the majority of the other oils in your diet - along with synthetic imitation butter such as margarine - because olive oil is natural and the body absorbs the goodness it provides.
Olive oil is the “knight in shining armour” ingredient the body requires to operate at peak health, just make sure it’s authentic, cold pressed and extra virgin; it’s a tasty and nutritious treat for your entire family!
To optimize the health benefits be sure to replace the majority of the other oils in your diet - along with synthetic imitation butter such as margarine - because olive oil is natural and the body absorbs the goodness it provides.
Olive oil is the “knight in shining armour” ingredient the body requires to operate at peak health, just make sure it’s authentic, cold pressed and extra virgin; it’s a tasty and nutritious treat for your entire family!
Related Article: You are what you eat
Go to Home
