Olive Oil Benefits

[Mark1T]

There was a great article on the benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil today (copied below). My question is: I am pretty sure EVOO is the green olive oil. There is also the clear olive oil that is not green. Is the green EVOO better for you as opposed to the clear; and are there more polyphenols in EVOO as opposed to the clear?? Just wondering because I cannot handle the strong EVOO taste

Article:

5 Reasons Why Olive Oil is the Ultimate Healthy Fat
Posted Tue, Apr 10, 2007, 3:19 pm PDT

Whether in Rome or at home, do as the Romans do: Make olive oil a staple. If you already eat the Mediterranean way, you know that the oil not only tastes good but that it is good for you. It's an amazing source of antioxidants, capable of dousing inflammation, defending cells from menacing molecules, and more. Here's the latest on this superhero food.
IT CUTS YOUR CANCER RISK
Olive oil's cancer-preventing powers are lab legends. Which substances get the credit? Polyphenols, for one -- these potent plant antioxidants protect against cancer-causing cell damage. But it also looks like the oil's monounsaturated fat has anti-cancer effects, which means olive oil packs quite a one-two punch! Some people-proof: Check the lower rates of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer among Southern Europeans -- whose diets flow with olive oil -- compared to their northern neighbors.

IT HELPS YOUR HEART
There's virtually nothing better than the big "double O" when it comes to your heart. Olive oil ups good HDL cholesterol, lowers bad LDL, and reduces other harmful blood fats (triglycerides). And that's not all. It also reduces inflammation, another contributor to cardiovascular disease.

IT KEEPS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN
Speaking of your heart, how's your blood pressure? If it's not below 120/80, you need to get it there. And yes, olive oil plays a role. It can help enough to reduce the need for daily meds. Those potent polyphenols appear to dilate arteries, which brings blood pressure down. (Always choose extra-virgin olive oil, by the way -- its minimal processing preserves the maximum number of antioxidants and heat-sensitive vitamins.)

IT HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
"Great taste, less filling" -- that light beer slogan rings true for olive oil. While ounce for ounce, all oils have the same calories, olive oil has a fuller flavor so less is needed for tantalizing taste. Plus research shows that overweight people who eat a diet with some fat -- including olive oil -- are more likely to shed pounds than those who slash fat. Why? Oil's rich flavor makes it easier to stick with the program.

IT EASES YOUR ACHING HEAD
If you're prone to headaches and wary of overdoing ibuprofen, try routinely dressing your salad or crisp-tender veggies in extra-virgin olive oil. It contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that, like ibuprofen, blocks pain-producing and inflammatory substances -- but without the risk of stomach upset. While daily oleocanthal doses aren't the painkiller's complete equal, they could lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, arthritis and possibly Alzheimer's. Quite a trade-off.

[Chipman]

Looks like another writer flexing their writting muscle but forgetting to quote stats and studies.

No disrespect to the noble olive.

[PeteB]

There is little point in using Extra-Virgin olive oil except on fresh salads, antipasti etc.

There is good reason to buy Vigin olive oil though. "Virgin" means the oil was produced by pressing and not heat and chemical treatment. Olive oil labeled virgin and extra-virgin cannot contain any refined oil.

Refined means that the oil has been heated, chemically treated, etc. to neutralize strong tastes and to lower the acid content by artificial means. Other natural nutrients can be destroyed in the same process.

The difference between Extra-Virgin and Virgin is mostly taste, due to a difference in acidity. Extra-virgin olive oil comes from the first pressing of the olives, contains no more than 0.8% acidity, and has better taste than oil labeled as Virgin. Virgin olive oil has an acidity less than 2%, and judged to have a good taste, but not as good as oil labeled "Extra-Virgin".

[SumthinOrNuthin]

I love olive oil - extra virgin in on salad and I also like it drizzled on hot food like fresh cooked white fish. I have a little every day, its the only fat I 'consciously' eat apart from the occasional teaspoon of almond butter

[PeteB]

The trouble with the whole Mediterranean cuisine thing, and comparing European countries and the US is that it does not take into effect time, and relative prosperity 30-40 years ago. At that time, food was more expensive in Europe relative to personal income, processed food was almost unknown, and most people did not eat in restaurants, let alone fast-food restaurants.

It takes decades of over-eating, bad food, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for the average baby boomer to reach the level of obesity, diabetes, liver disease, cancer, and morbidity we see today (and to teach the same habits to his kids). Europeans are no better than we are, adjusted for lag in prosperity post WW2. They are catching up to us, and in some countries, normal adult fitness is dropping, and disease is on the rise even faster than it did in the US.

[SumthinOrNuthin]

Originally Posted by PeteB

The trouble with the whole Mediterranean cuisine thing, and comparing European countries and the US is that it does not take into effect time, and relative prosperity 30-40 years ago. At that time, food was more expensive in Europe relative to personal income, processed food was almost unknown, and most people did not eat in restaurants, let alone fast-food restaurants.

It takes decades of over-eating, bad food, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for the average baby boomer to reach the level of obesity, diabetes, liver disease, cancer, and morbidity we see today (and to teach the same habits to his kids). Europeans are no better than we are, adjusted for lag in prosperity post WW2. They are catching up to us, and in some countries, normal adult fitness is dropping, and disease is on the rise even faster than it did in the US.

Absolutely spot on. We're catching up with the USA very quickly and I think on the last count, we were ranked 2nd most unhealthy country after USA.

Britons are fast becoming unhealthy, lazy, obese and reliant upon junk food. Due to some (allegedly) stupid education policy decisions a generation ago, we stopped teaching kids how to cook in school. So now, we have a generation who can't cook, raising their own children who also can't cook and know no other way of eating but take-aways and things in plastic trays that you put in the microwave.

I reckon the Germans are not too far behind us but I think in some other European countries like France, Spain and Italy, there is a very strong tradition of cooking food and sharing food with family and friends around the table. These traditions continue because in those countries, they have a much stronger sense of family than in the UK. They actively encourage their kids to learn about and enjoy food, and sharing meals. Go to any restaurant in France, Spain, Italy and there will be whole families in there with their assorted kids. This is positively frowned upon in most British restaurants where kids are seen as an annoyance and people will actually go somewhere else if they walk in and see kids there.

I do think a strong sense of family and sharing have a tremendous effect on each generation's eating habits. In the UK, we currently have something like 23% of kids living with just one parent. Too many adults think its the Governments fault that they're fat, broke and thier kids are badly behaved. Heaven forbid that parents actually start accepting responsibility for themselves and their families........

Oh hell ..... I'm ranting again .... sorry!!

[Hibiscus09]

I also love extra virgin olive oil and it is one of my primary fat sources.

[-Leonidas-]

Originally Posted by SumthinOrNuthin

Absolutely spot on. We're catching up with the USA very quickly and I think on the last count, we were ranked 2nd most unhealthy country after USA.

Britons are fast becoming unhealthy, lazy, obese and reliant upon junk food. Due to some (allegedly) stupid education policy decisions a generation ago, we stopped teaching kids how to cook in school. So now, we have a generation who can't cook, raising their own children who also can't cook and know no other way of eating but take-aways and things in plastic trays that you put in the microwave.

I reckon the Germans are not too far behind us but I think in some other European countries like France, Spain and Italy, there is a very strong tradition of cooking food and sharing food with family and friends around the table. These traditions continue because in those countries, they have a much stronger sense of family than in the UK. They actively encourage their kids to learn about and enjoy food, and sharing meals. Go to any restaurant in France, Spain, Italy and there will be whole families in there with their assorted kids. This is positively frowned upon in most British restaurants where kids are seen as an annoyance and people will actually go somewhere else if they walk in and see kids there.

I do think a strong sense of family and sharing have a tremendous effect on each generation's eating habits. In the UK, we currently have something like 23% of kids living with just one parent. Too many adults think its the Governments fault that they're fat, broke and thier kids are badly behaved. Heaven forbid that parents actually start accepting responsibility for themselves and their families........

Oh hell ..... I'm ranting again .... sorry!!

you go girl!

[PeteB]

People sometimes avoid EVOO because of the "Boutique Price" of some of the brands found on store shelves.

The olive oil I use for cooking is from Spectrum Organics, Extra Virgin, and labeled "First Cold Pressed" (important only if you care about some of the more esoteric contents). About $9/25.4 oz in a local natural food store. (Sitting on my shelf right next to a bottle of more fancy olive oil which cost twice as much for half the amount)

Assuming about 1-2 Tablespoons to cook a dinner for two, that is about 10-20 cents per serving of food (I like to eat cheap, not just organic... )

http://www.spectrumorganics.com/

[-Leonidas-]

Originally Posted by Hibiscus09

I also love extra virgin olive oil and it is one of my primary fat sources.

Same here. At the moment I'm avoiding it while I try to loose body fat (can't afford the calories) and I'm starting to have withdrawal. Having a tablespoon at a time on a salad just doesn't do it for me

There are some great tasting E V oils out there. Had some a while back over $25 a bottle. I was great but scotch would have been cheaper!

[MuscleHead36]

Organic Coconut Oil is really great for you as well! It also helps you lose weight if you take it right. Organic Coconut Oil take 1 teaspoon in the morning and 1 teaspoon in the evening for 30 days and you will lose weight. Your pants will start to fall off. LOL

[TDetroit]

But all this does not mean the mediterrainean diet doesn't work. You should switch to it.
As an Italian, I can tell you, it is the variety not single items. we eat everything.
Italians eating large plates of pasta is an American phenomina. In Italy it is a side dish to fill you up because the rest of the meal is expensive. The rest of the meal is expensive is what keeps us from eating too much red meat. Then there is the salad, we don't believe in Ranch, Blue, Vinegrette, 1000, Russian, etc., it is just vinegar, oil, salt, pepper - that's it. We add olives.
Then after dinner, fruit.
So you get a little of everything in an Italian meal. An explosion of flavors, and it is healthier for you.
There is a town in Italy where the cholesterol for many people measures at 300-400, but live long lives. They accept their life, take care of themselves, have no stress, and there is no problem.

[Mark1T]

Thanks for the most excellent input, ladies and gents. This is actually a good thread Rant on, Sumthin" Thanks for the excellent thoughts, Pete. If it's good enough for Hibbles, then it's good enough for me Thanks for the good comments, Enigma. I will look into that product, Musclehead. Nice drink, Chip Thanks.

[Mark1T]

Originally Posted by TDetroit

But all this does not mean the mediterrainean diet doesn't work. You should switch to it.
As an Italian, I can tell you, it is the variety not single items. we eat everything.
Italians eating large plates of pasta is an American phenomina. In Italy it is a side dish to fill you up because the rest of the meal is expensive. The rest of the meal is expensive is what keeps us from eating too much red meat. Then there is the salad, we don't believe in Ranch, Blue, Vinegrette, 1000, Russian, etc., it is just vinegar, oil, salt, pepper - that's it. We add olives.
Then after dinner, fruit.
So you get a little of everything in an Italian meal. An explosion of flavors, and it is healthier for you.
There is a town in Italy where the cholesterol for many people measures at 300-400, but live long lives. They accept their life, take care of themselves, have no stress, and there is no problem.

Great info, DT. Thank you. Italians also drink a lot of good wine, too, that is bound to help, yes? (please say yes

[Chi_town]

EVOO is top notch ! HUGE THUMBS UP.


FYI -Coconut oil is MCT which means it is one fat that cannot be stored as fat. It never reached the lipo protein state, thus it cannot be stored as fat.
It is motabolized much like a carboohydrate and is utilized first much llike alcohol. It is not a magic fatloss oil............just as coral calcium didn't cure all ailments. ROFLMAO

[PeteB]

Originally Posted by Chi_town

It is metabolized much like a carboohydrate and is utilized first much llike alcohol...

Cool! I bet Enigma will be happy to hear that... while you are at it, I'll take a fifth myself!

[ChocoChick]

Originally Posted by Mark1T

Great info, DT. Thank you. Italians also drink a lot of good wine, too, that is bound to help, yes? (please say yes

Yes... and eat lots of dark chocolate.

[Revmachine21]

Originally Posted by Mark1T

Just wondering because I cannot handle the strong EVOO taste

This is why grape seed oil is the way to go! Mmmmmm, grape seed oil.

[QUALITYGUY1]

The olive is indeed a wonderful thing. I have been investigating 'Olive leaf Extract". Starting on it today as a matter of fact. Sounds like a super supp to me. Check it out:
http://www.curezone.com/foods/oliveleaf.html

[Mark1T]

Originally Posted by Chi_town

EVOO is top notch ! HUGE THUMBS UP.


FYI -Coconut oil is MCT which means it is one fat that cannot be stored as fat. It never reached the lipo protein state, thus it cannot be stored as fat.
It is motabolized much like a carboohydrate and is utilized first much llike alcohol. It is not a magic fatloss oil............just as coral calcium didn't cure all ailments. ROFLMAO

Great info, Mr. Town. Much obliged

Originally Posted by ChocolateGirl

Yes... and eat lots of dark chocolate.

Well, Girl of Chocolate, how can we not mention chocolate. It is always relevant.

Originally Posted by Revmachine21

This is why grape seed oil is the way to go! Mmmmmm, grape seed oil.

And, another great oil. Thanks a bunch, Ms. Machine

[Mark1T]

Originally Posted by QUALITYGUY1

The olive is indeed a wonderful thing. I have been investigating 'Olive leaf Extract". Starting on it today as a matter of fact. Sounds like a super supp to me. Check it out:
http://www.curezone.com/foods/oliveleaf.html

I read a little about that this weekend. Very interesting. Thanks for the link and for your participation, Man of Quality

[test account]

Originally Posted by Mark1T

Just wondering because I cannot handle the strong EVOO taste

I know what you mean about the taste. I'm eating a meal with much olive oil in it right now and its quite yummy though. I think its just a matter of finding the right foods to combine it with.

For example I cannot stand the taste of rice (white or brown) by itelf (though brown is marginally better), its just way to bland or something. Even when I'm starving I can barely force myself to eat it if its just by itself. Nor can I stand the taste of the tomatoe paste that I usually buy by itself (has supposedly nothing added not even salt just tomatoes). The taste is just way to strong to be palatable. And talking about revolting the taste of EVOO is totally unbearable to my palate, by itself.

However at the moment I am eating a meal of just these three ingedients (brown rice, tomatoe, EVOO), mixed together with chicken (though I usually use fish) and the taste is really quite yummy. Stong taste sure but not unpleasent.
Now my recipe may not work for you but the point is that though EVOO is pretty gross by itself you may find you can combine it with something that neutralises the taste.

I also use sweet potatoe, olive oil, tomatoe paste and fish all mushed up together, which to me is even yummier. I'm just using rice at the moment cause its quicker to prepare than the sweet potatoe but when I'm not pushed for time I prefer the sweet potatoe - which is better in terms of being lower GI too (funny that sweet potatoe has acceptable GI, usually, but taste sweet, normal potatoe taste bland and has unacceptable - for many - GI).

[Revmachine21]

Originally Posted by QUALITYGUY1

The olive is indeed a wonderful thing. I have been investigating 'Olive leaf Extract". Starting on it today as a matter of fact. Sounds like a super supp to me. Check it out:
http://www.curezone.com/foods/oliveleaf.html

My boyfriend and I supplemented with Olive Leaf extract some years back. One of the side affects is we experienced was increased bleeding. Became a little scary, cuts wouldn't stop bleeding, and we stopped using it.

[QUALITYGUY1]

Originally Posted by Revmachine21

My boyfriend and I supplemented with Olive Leaf extract some years back. One of the side affects is we experienced was increased bleeding. Became a little scary, cuts wouldn't stop bleeding, and we stopped using it.

Never heard of that one. I know several people on the stuff, one of which is sort of a natural foods guru to me, and he's never heard of that either, and doesn't know anyone with similar problems. (I called and asked him about this this morning). Were you taking way too much maybe???

[TDetroit]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! Do not for get the wine. Italian wine is made outside in, French wine is made inside out.
The french plant the vine, grow it for many years, harvest and make wine. then they make food. IF the 2 don't match, they throw out the food and make new food.
Italians, plant the vine grow it for many years, harvest and make the wine. Then they make the food, if they don't match, they pull the vines out of the ground and start over. (Outside in)

[Revmachine21]

Originally Posted by QUALITYGUY1

Never heard of that one. I know several people on the stuff, one of which is sort of a natural foods guru to me, and he's never heard of that either, and doesn't know anyone with similar problems. (I called and asked him about this this morning). Were you taking way too much maybe???

It's been a couple of years ago and don't rightly remember the dose we were taking. That said, I'm not an supplements nut, so I'd put our intake at around the recommended daily dose. Perhaps my boyfriend was taking a bit more than I, and funny enough he had the most problem with bleeds.

A kinesiologist recommended it to us, when we became concerned about the bleeding, he acknowledge that this was a known side effect.

We never were in danger of exsanguination, but it just didn't seem normal to either of us, so we stopped.