What Are the Benefits of Olive Oil?

As of late, the Mediterranean Diet has been all the rage.

The Mediterranean Diet is a diet that includes:

• Lots of vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, and nuts
• A moderate amount of fish
• Little or no meat
• Little or no sweets, sugary drinks, or butter

In addition to emphasizing plant-based foods, The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes “healthy fats”—the main source of which being from olive oil.

What is Olive Oil?

High in monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, olive oils are among the best-studied fats, with many known health benefits.

Generally regarded as a healthy and delicious substitute for butter, margarine, and other more highly-processed neutral oils, olive oil:

• Is produced through natural crushing of olives and then refined— no solvents are used
• Is a blend of refined olive oil and extra virgin/virgin olive oil
• Contains mild, neutral flavors

Why is Olive Oil Good For Your Health?

Olive oil is an anti-inflammatory oil.

• Olive oil is a heart-healthy, nutrient-dense fat shown to reduce cholesterol and minimize risk of heart disease—in addition to being a good source of vitamin E
• Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that protect your body from inflammation and subsequent chronic diseases
  • Olive oil's main anti-inflammatory effects are from antioxidants—one of which is oleocanthal
    • This antioxidant has been shown to work like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug
• Diets high in olive oil have been shown to have favorable effects on weight reduction and an increase in antioxidant levels in the blood
• Studies have show the potential of olive oil to lower colon cancer risks
• Phenolic compounds found in olive oil (e.g. oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol) may also have anticancer mechanisms

Olive Oil and Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

Olive oil is an anti-inflammatory oil known for its high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids. It is also a good source of phytochemicals including polyphenolic compounds, squalene, and α-tocopherol.

Monounsaturated fats are fat molecules that have one unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule. Oils that contain monounsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature, but start to turn solid when chilled.

The American Heart Association says that for good health we should consume foods that contain monounsaturated fats in place of those that contain saturated fats and/or trans fats.

Some foods containing saturated fats include beef, pork, butter cheese, and fried foods

Hero Bread Now Uses Olive Oil

If you have been a Hero Bread customer who has enjoyed our line of White Bread, Seeded Bread, Flour Tortillas or Hot Dog and Burger Buns, you can now enjoy these in your favorite recipes knowing they contain heart-healthy olive oil.