Is Olive Oil the Perfect Fruit Juice?
We’ve been keeping a list of olive oil nutrition facts for over twenty years at Temecula Olive Oil Company. And we’re probably not the first ones to do so either. In fact, olive oil has been coveted since ancient times. This is, in part, due to the multitude of health benefits it provides. Today, the juice of the olive fruit has been scientifically proven to be an essential part of a healthy diet due to its high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
What’s in our “Liquid Gold”
Olive oil is considered to be one of the best oils. This is because it is the single, naturally-produced oil with the largest source of monounsaturated fats. And it is the only one that can be consumed from the freshly-pressed fruit just as is, like orange juice. Olive oil is an essential part of the Mediterranean diet. And the health benefits of olive oil are credited with enhancing heart healthiness and life spans of the people of that region. Among olive oil nutrition facts are studies demonstrating that monounsaturated fats, such as Omega-3s, Omega-6s and Omega-9s, are all found at their optimal balance in olive oil.
In addition they decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. And this allows cholesterol to move freely to the liver to be eliminated rather than being deposited on artery walls and forming blood clots as it travels through the bloodstream. This helps the body maintain healthy blood pressure levels. And it reduces risk of heart disease – a leading cause of death in Western cultures. Additionally, an olive oil-rich diet has been shown to improve brain health. It can also help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and lead to greater weight loss than a low fat diet.
Olive Oil-Rich Diet
Further notable of the olive oil nutrition facts is that it is an excellent source of antioxidants. Oxidation occurs naturally inside the human body, giving rise to “free radicals” (unstable atoms and molecules) that can lead to normal cell function deterioration or cellular death, unless there is a balance between healthy cells and free radicals. Antioxidants, like those found in olive oil, help maintain that balance. They reduce the effects of aging and risk of developing cancer. In fact, studies show a direct correlation between a diet rich in olive oil and the control of colo-rectal cancer and skin cancers.
Cooking with Olive Oil
Anyone familiar with olive oil nutrition facts knows that the best olive oil comes from the first pressing of the fruit. This is called “extra virgin olive oil”. Fresh-squeezed extra virgin olive oil is the purest form of olive oil. And it is therefore the most nutrient-rich. Substituting 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day for saturated fats, such as animal and dairy fats, will improve your health inside and out.
And Temecula Olive Oil Company makes it easy to take advantage of the health benefits of olive oil. Just substitute other oils in your favorite recipes with flavorful, fresh extra virgin olive oil from California. And create a delightful salad dressing by blending our Fresh Blood Orange Olive Oil with our Vanilla & Date Balsamico Vinegar. Or marinate your favorite meat with our Roasted Garlic Reserve Olive Oil. Try a drizzle of our Fresh Basil Olive Oil over steamed vegetables and Caprese salads. And you can even bake with our buttery, Olivum Reserve Late Harvest traditional olive oil, or add our Fresh Blood Orange Olive Oil to brownies for a delicious hint of orange.
Fresh-Squeezed & Cold-Pressed
Temecula Olive Oil Company is a family-owned company that offers fine, Southern California-grown extra virgin olive oils and hand harvested olives which are cold-pressed on our ranch. Discover one of the most healthy treats nature provides by checking out the product offerings on our website. You’ll be glad you did!