What is Olive Oil

Olive oil is the liquid fat obtained by pressing whole olives. The olives, from a tree native to the Mediterranean, have a unique flavour that’s dependent on its country of origin – some flavours are mild, whilst others can be full-bodied and even bitter. Think of Olive Oil as a bottle of wine. Some are fruity and soft, while others can be strong tasting.

Processing techniques result in olive oils of different variations, either filtered or unfiltered. Unfiltered oils are pure, meaning no heat or chemicals have been used in the pressing process. This produces a purer oil with a stronger more refined taste.

Filtered oils have been treated to remove any imperfections and are usually lighter in colour and milder in taste. Filtered oils tend to be used in cooking whereas unfiltered oils tend to be used for drizzling and marinating.

Extra virgin olive oil is an unfiltered oil made from the initial press of the fruit. No heat is used in the extraction process, preserving beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Deemed the highest quality. It also has a stronger flavour and is darker in colour. Regular or light olive oils are typically a blend of both cold-pressed and filtered oils. This usually creates a soft light textured olive oil.

Top 5 Health Benefits of adding Extra Virgin Olive Oil to your diet

Olive oil can reduce the risk of heart disease

Olive oil can help lower LDL also known as bad cholesterol and maintain levels of HDL which is known as good cholesterol. It may also help slow the development of plaque in your heart’s arteries. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is also known to include its ability to reduce blood pressure.

It’s safe to say by just adding a little bit of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to your diet will make your heart a happy, healthier heart.

Olive oil may help with weight loss

In a study of breast cancer survivors, women who ate a plant-based, olive oil-enriched diet (including 3 or more tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil per day) lost more weight than women on a low oil-based fat diet. Women in the study also largely chose to continue with the olive oil diet for 6 months of follow-up after the initial 8-week study

Olive oil may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

A test was formed by the American College of Cardiology to see what effects consuming Olive Oil fats had on the human cardiovascular system. In a study containing 61,181 women and 31,797 men. It showed those with a higher Olive Oil Intake had a much lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. (As well as other illnesses like strokes) 

Olive oil reduces inflammation

Inflammation is thought to be one of the key drivers behind some of our most chronic health problems, including type-2 diabetes. A study has been made looking at the role of antioxidants and their anti-inflammatory effect. This also includes oleic acid found in olive oil, which has discovered that this play’s a key role in reducing inflammation. Multiple compounds in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, including MUFA’s (monounsaturated fats) and phenols, have anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive Oil has been known to improve your mood

Part of a healthy diet includes a high intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and oily fish. But a study has shown that also olive oil has been found to play a role in reducing the risk of depression. Overall improving your daily mood.

Olive Oil from The Sicilian Way

Now from reading all of these incredible health benefits olive oil brings to the table. It’s no surprise that The Sicilian Way wants to provide the most beautiful tasting and also pure, quality Olive Oils. Take a look at our Olive Oil today and let us bring a little bit of Sicily to your table.

Next to read will be our Health Benefits of Olives