Apart from feeding us, olive is a universal symbol of peace, abundance, health and eternity.
The large application of olive in nutrition and its symbolism of peace and victory indicates the importance of this plant in human history. The nutritional value and therapeutic properties of olive oil have long been recognized and used in cooking. The many positive effects of olive oil on our body make this mediterranean plant an inevitable part of a healthy diet.
Why is olive oil so healthy and what’s its composition that makes it so important for our body?
The nutritional profile of olive indicates a low caloric value, a richness in iron and copper and a significant amounts of vitamin E and phytochemicals that help protect the entire body. People mosty differ the green and the black olives, but what is the real difference? Basically, green olives are picked before they are fully mature so they contain more polyphenols, while the black olives are picked when they are mature so they contain more oil.
Olives contain high levels of fat, mostly referred to the monounsaturated oleic fat acid, which is connected to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Out from a variety of phytochemicals contained in the olive, best known is the effect of oleuropein, which is characterized by a strong antioxidant activity. Phytochemicals contained in olives are generally connected to the protection of the body from cancer and a higher absorption of calcium in the bones. Hereafter, olive oil, particularly virgin and extra virgin, obtained by cold pressing, is used for cosmetic purposes because it makes the hair look shiny and healthy, and the skin look soft and beautiful.
A special use of olives is done in cooking, in the form of olive oil. Although frequently mentioned that olive oil shouldn’t fry, that’s not true. One of the main advantages of olive oil is its stability at high temperatures. During frying is formed a crust that prevents from the absorption of oil in food, so it actually retains its active ingredients. At room temperature olive oil melts away from the food, so it stays healthier and less greasy than other oils. The use of olive oil improves digestion, protects from gastritis and the formation of gallstones.
No matter how we take it in, olive oil has a great number of positive effects on our body. Although the development of technology reveals us every day more the influences of nutrition on our health, olive still remains a natural way to protect our body.