The Health Benefits of Olive Oil

There are various grades of olive oil but extra virgin is the least processed - as a result it is considered to deliver the greatest health benefits

Olive oil is mainly comprised of monounsaturated fat - this is a healthy type of fat which helps reduce cholestrol levels in the bloodstream offering protection against heart disease.

They say the soothing effects of the enzyme, oleocanthal, which is found in olive oil may be responsible for some of the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet - reduced risk of stroke, heart disease, breast cancer, lung cancer, and some forms of dementia, all of which have been linked to inflammation.

Good extra virgin olive oil provides a high content of antioxidants which are the key to strengthening the immune system. Reasearch suggests it can offer benefits in terms of colon cancer prevention.