Olive Oil Facts

Let's find out 10 interesting facts about Olive Oil!

  1. Greece is the world’s third largest producer of olive oil and the world’s largest exporter of extra virgin olive oil.  Its extra virgin olive oil is so good that it is exported even to countries such as Italy and Spain.
  2. Olive oil is extremely high in oleic acid which is used to reduce blood pressure.  Olive oil also contains many antioxidants including vitamin E, carotenoids and oleuropein.
  3. Extra virgin olive oil comes from the first pressing of the olives with no chemicals used to extract the oil.  This means it has a wonderful, fresh, clean taste.
  4. Olive oil is believed to have a protective effect against a variety of cancers, including breast, prostate, endometrium and digestive tract.
  5. The fresher the olive oil, the better the taste.  After a year or so, oil is best used for cooking and fresh oil used for salad dressings and other cold uses.
  6. Olive oil has a higher proportion of monounsaturated fats than animal fat, which is often high in saturated fat.  Studies have indicated that if you replace saturated fats with monounsaturated fats, you can lower your risk of coronary heart disease.
  7. Because oil flows from the olives naturally when they are crushed, the vitamins and natural ingredients are not destroyed with chemicals and preservatives.
  8. Greek people eat an average of 26 litres of olive oil each every year!
  9. Studies have shown that olive oil reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases levels of good cholesterol (HDL).
  10. One olive tree can produce around four litres of oil every year for hundreds of years.

Source: http://epochproducts.com/blog/