Olives were probably first cultivated in the fifth century B.C. in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean. Olive oil has been more than just a food to the people of the Mediterranean; it was revered for its medicinal qualities, and was believed to bring strength, youth, and power. Olive oil has tremendous health benefits due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. It has been shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling the 'bad' cholesterol (LDL ) levels while raising the 'good' cholesterol (HDL) levels. It is the most digestible of oils. It helps to assimilate vitamins A, D and K, contains essential acids, slows down the aging process, and helps bile, liver and intestinal functions.
Olive oil is extracted by pressing or crushing olives. The quality of the oil depends on the amount of processing involved. Extra virgin is the highest quality oil. It is the least processed containing oil from the first pressing of the olives. While all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, olive oil from the first pressing of the olives contains higher levels of antioxidants.
When storing your olive oil keep it away from light and heat. Keep it in a cool and dark place, tightly sealed. Oxygen promotes rancidity, and like other oils, olive oil can easily go rancid when exposed to air, light or high temperatures.
Gifts Gone Gourmet carries many award winning extra virgin olive oils, all freshly pressed within the last 18 months. Visit our website and select an extra virgin olive oil FOR YOUR HEALTH.
