The properties of EVOO or Extra Virgin Olive Oil make its consumption very beneficial for our health. So much so that numerous studies have confirmed that extra virgin olive oil offers protection against free radicals (responsible for the increased risk of disease) and cellular aging.
What is EVOO
Extra virgin olive oil
Virgin olive oil is thejuice extracted from olives by mechanical processes such as centrifugation or pressing. On the other hand, extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality category of olive oil.
EVOO Properties
The properties of EVOO or Extra Virgin Olive Oil make it our perfect ally.
What are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are one of the most important compounds in extra virgin olive oil. These naturally occurring compounds help to eliminate substances that favor the proliferation of cancer cells. According to some studies, the consumption of 10 grams of extra virgin olive oil could reduce the risk of breast cancer by 45%. The European Commission itself certified the designation of origin of Montoro Adamuz for, among other reasons, the high polyphenol content of the oils from this region.
In fact, research projects such as ARISTOIL, from the University of Cordoba, Spain, are based on the fact that:
“The phenolic compounds make the difference between a higher or lower quality oil. They are responsible for giving this product its healthy properties and, due to their antioxidant effect, their daily consumption is a barrier against cardiovascular diseases.
Only virgin or extra virgin oils are rich in these compounds, since the refining process eliminates most of them. The European Union included them in its list of Authorized Health Claims for foods and allows them to be labeled on packaging as long as they exceed a concentration of 5mg per 20g of oil. For this reason, the production community is considering pro-moving the content of these phenols as a measure of quality and including the amount of these phenols or the health effect they produce on product labels.”
Our extra virgin olive oil Nevadillo Negro, for example, is participating in this project due to its very high polyphenol content.
EVOO benefits
The properties of EVOO make extra virgin olive oil anti-inflammatory, protective and stimulating; therefore, it is beneficial for our organism.
For example, it helps the pancreas to produce greater amounts of digestive enzymes; but also the cestifelea, which helps to pour bile into the intestine; and the mucosa that lines the inner surface of the stomach and intestines. It also acts on the liver for increased bile production, as well as acting as a protector against gastritis and gastric ulcers. It also defends the body against skin disorders and even the nervous system.
Other benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
EVOO or Extra Virgin Olive Oil is used for the following purposes to heal the skin from burns and protect it from solar radiation;it is also particularly suitable for infant nutrition due to its acidic composition, which makes it very similar to the fat composition of breast milk.
In addition, it is indicated both for its easy digestion and for stimulating gastronomic secretions, preparing the body for better digestion, better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and, consequently, better absorption of calcium. Protects the mucous membranes of the stomach.
It has a regenerating effect on the skin, which protects it against the appearance of wrinkles and is essential for the prevention of degenerative diseases. It also allows high absorption of vitamins, particularly vitamin E, and is a source of energy for growth. Stimulates bone mineralization and the assimilation of mineral salts of primary importance in the elderly and children.
It acts positively in diseases of the biliary tract by stimulating secretions; it ensures the body the right amount of linoleic acid, performs a regulating action of peristalsis in the intestine, which can be advantageously used in both atonic constipation and spastic constipation of irritable bowel, and is indicated as a laxative, especially in cases of atonic constipation. Of course, it reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, because it tends to lower blood cholesterol levels, protecting the arteries and increasing the fraction of good HDL cholesterol. It also prevents coronary heart disease.
Conclusion
Extra virgin olive oil is composed of vitamins K, A, E and D, carotenoids and phenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties and consequent positive protective effects on the human body.
