Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the least processed or refined of the olive oils
Benefits for us:
- A “good” fat – essential for hormone balance as cholestrol is one of the key building blocks for our sex hormones
- Anti Oxidant – balances out and stabilises your free radicals to make them less reactive. Oxidation is normal and necessary and when working normally fights pathogens. But when there are too many versus antioxidants they can start doing damage to fatty tissues, DNA and protein and has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases and ageing
- Anti Inflammatory – inflammation in the short term is good for keeping us healthy. However, chronic or constant inflammation is not, and has been linked to issues such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Oestrogen exerts anti inflammatory activity (source https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2630539/) so when it reduces we move into a more inflammatory state. Therefore focussing on an anti inflammatory lifestyle (stress is also a major factor) is important in the long term. Research on this is still in progress but an anti inflammatory diet including virgin olive oil (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21443487/) tomatoes, nuts, leafy greens and fruits such as blueberries hosts a plethora of benefits
- Brain food – again linked to inflammation, this time in the brain as well as brain cognition (research: Lauretti et al 2017 “EVOO ameliorates cognition and reduces brain inflammation)
- Heart food – studies have shown a link to a reduction of developing heart disease
- EVOO can also make you feel more full! Eat in moderation!
Try this power packed dressing; ingredients, extra virgin olive oil, fresh chopped parsley, chopped walnuts, salt, chilli flakes, apple cider vinegar
Walnuts – major source or plant based Omega 3, anti oxidant (i.e. balances out and stabilises your free radicals to make them less reactive), anti inflammatory (inflammatory state good if you hurt yourself, not good if constant and linked to some metabolic syndromes), gut health. (Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-walnuts#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3) Apple Cider Vinegar – has been shown to have various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. What’s more, evidence suggests that it may offer health benefits such as aiding weight loss, reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels and improving the symptoms of diabetes