Start 2021 with a happy heart and a healthy diet! We Olive is proud to support heart health and the American Heart Association by raising awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The Mediterranean Diet, which includes a healthy dose of extra virgin olive oil, has been in existence for hundreds of years. The FDA recommends 2 tablespoons of EVOO a day for heart health. Recent studies provide compelling evidence of the associated health benefits. Topping the list of reasons to eat like a Greek:
- Reduced risk of coronary artery disease and stroke
- More effective than a low-fat diet at reducing cardiovascular risk
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- Lower incidence of Alzheimer’s
- Reduced risk of some cancers
- Lower incidence of mood disorders like depression, distress, or anxiety
- Lower incidence of obesity
- Increased odds of a better quality of life in old age
For more information about the Mediterranean Diet, check out our food pyramid that explains the types of foods you should eat, the quantities, and how often.
Olive oil and heart health go hand and hand. Extra virgin olive oil, paired with a healthy diet, can help reduce your risk of heart disease. In part because of the special way it’s produced, extra virgin olive oil, unlike seed oils and non-extra virgin oils, contains natural antioxidants, including polyphenols — a type of antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It’s also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids — a healthier dietary fat than saturated and trans fats. Over the last 50 years, extensive studies have concluded that all sorts of health benefits come from extra virgin olive oil.
Researchers have found that by consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in EVOO, you can:
- Significantly lower the risk of having a heart attack, suffering from a stroke, or dying of heart disease
• Better regulate insulin levels
• Strengthen your immune system
• Reduce the risk of certain cancers
• Improve digestive and brain health
WHY GETTING THE REAL THING MATTERS
“When companies taint the oil, consumers lose that wonderful cocktail of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants,” says journalist and industry expert Tom Mueller.
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