mardi 30 juin 2015

Using Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil In A Diet Offers Advantages

By Francis Riggs


More and more consumers are discovering benefits to be had from the inclusion of olive oils as part of a diet plan. Surprisingly large numbers of shoppers do not appreciate how much certified extra virgin olive oil differs from the standard oils available to shoppers.

Representing the premier level, the fruit has to be selected specifically for purposes of creating olive oil only and adding oil from different production streams is not allowed. Processing takes place by mechanical means which is often called cold pressed processing. This is important because it means no chemical or heat treatment, which may affect the molecular structure of the oil, may be used.

Harvesting when the fruit is perfectly ripe is a significant factor in ensuring extra virgin products achieve and maintain high standards. Of course anyone can stick a label on a product and maintain it is this or that and it is for this reason that growers will take the trouble to have their products certified. Certification can only be obtained if the oil meets the standards of a recognized as an authoritative and governing force in the industry. Producers in Europe and elsewhere are overseen by the International Olive Council whilst in the United States the California Olive Oil Council is the recognized body.

Filtering and storage are additional matters that will affect how fresh the oil keeps and tastes. No or insufficient filtering allow the fruit juices and skins to remain and after a while will worsen the taste and reduce storage time. As regards packaging, dark glass is preferable as it lessens the influence of light which reduces product life as does heat. It is always a good idea to check for a product expiry or best before date. If there is not one present an alarm should ring so rather find one that does.

Getting back to the benefits, these will vary from one individual to another, but may include the following. The most common recognized benefit is in the effect of reducing bad LDL cholesterol. It is polyphenols present within the oil, the only vegetable oil to have it, that causes this. They are also effective antioxidants.

Body processes are enhanced and it may improve food processing and absorption as well as improving more frequent motions in the bowels. Bone and brain development also benefit. Inflammation, known to be an aggravating factor in cardiovascular conditions has also been seen to be reduced.

The spotlight has fallen on a chemical substances referred to as plasma oleic acid which it is believed may prevent the number of strokes occurring amongst senior citizens. This may be achieved by causing arterial tissue to become more flexible and elastic. Taking this idea further researchers have also considered a link to the debilitating condition Alzheimer disease. Possibly the oleic acids may inhibit the development of plaque in susceptible parts of the brain.

The University Medical School in Naples researched the lowering influence of enriched olive oil diets on blood sugars and reported improved control over insulin levels. Interestingly this simple offering from nature could play a major role in fighting some of the major health issues that are starting to become major problems in the western world.




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