10/13/2022
Anti-Inflammatory Food Highlight: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The season of soups and stews and roasting is upon us.
I thought I would feature Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as it is often the start of any great fall dish!
There are plenty of studies out there that highlight the benefits of extra virgin olive oil as a part of a healthy diet.
It has been found that olive oil has numerous anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols. One of these in particular, called olecanthal has similar effects in the body as Ibuprofen! (and without the nasty side-effects on your stomach and digestive system)
Studies show that polyphenols are also believed to slow down the development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. There are many health-promoting properties of polyphenols, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-atherogenic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-mutagenic effects… so drizzle away!
Which Type of Olive Oil Has Maximum Nutritional Potency?
When shopping for olive oil, make sure you’re buying extra virgin. It’s the grade that retains the MOST natural phenols (antioxidants) and other health-promoting compounds. All other olive oil grades, such as “virgin,” “pure,” or “light,” have been chemically refined to mask defects. This refining process destroys the healthy phenols that help keep your brain, heart, and arteries healthy.
The Bottle Makes A Difference
Dark glass, frosted or opaque bottles are often a good indication. Avoid clear glass bottles, as natural light causes the oil to lose its antioxidant potency, and causes it to go bad.
Look For A Date Stamp
Also be sure to remember the four most important words whenever you shop for olive oil: the fresher, the better. Avoid buying olive oil from places where the oils sit on the shelf for months (or even years!) growing stale, musty, and rancid. If you see a date stamp on the bottle, you’re likely onto something good. Anything that reveals the harvesting date, or the press date will give you an idea of how long that bottle has been around. Again: the fresher, the better!
So, whether you’re roasting root veggies, grilling fresh fish, or starting a base for a hearty stew - make it more delicious, satisfying and HEALTHY with extra virgin olive oil.
Here’s a recipe for a traditional greek salad from the folks over at Parthena. Enjoy!
http://parthena.ca/greek-salad-horiatiki/