Let’s talk oils. There are so many choices- what’s a cook to
do? When oils are heated it changes the structure of most of
them causing the creation of free radicals. This is why fried
food is so unhealthy- it’s the really hot temperature that causes
the oil to be unstable and change the chemical makeup. Free
radicals are not something your body can use in any form and it is harmful if your body can’t
deal with it by detoxifying it out.
Olive Oil is a great choice when it comes to oils. Olive oil comes from- yes olives- and the
quality of the olives is very important but maybe not as important as the processing of the oil.
When shopping you want to look for Extra Virgin First Cold Pressed. Why is it so healthy? The
main type of fat found in all kinds of olive oil is monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs).
Why is this so good for us? Here is why:
Reduce Heart Problems: Natural olive oil contains 70% monounsaturated fatty acid. As a
result, it lowers cholesterol accumulation in the blood and reduces heart problems. It reduces the
LDL, while at the same time increasing the HDL levels.
Blood Cholesterol: LDL cholesterol is the bad type of cholesterol, which increases the risk of
heart attacks and pulmonary heart disease. Extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in almost 40
antioxidant chemicals, helps reduce the oxidation effects of LDL cholesterol.
Metabolism: Olive oil boosts the metabolism, the growth of good bone structure, and brain
development in children. It is an excellent source of vitamin E, which is very beneficial for older
people.
Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties: The phenols present in olive oil have antiinflammatory properties. The antimicrobial characteristics of the oil are a result of its strong
aroma.
Aging Process: Rich in antioxidants, olive oil slows the natural aging process of the human
body. Used in cosmetic products and natural herbal therapy, it does wonders for the skin, which
gets a natural shine and glow from the enriching oil.
Prevention of Gall Stones: This oil is also effective in preventing gall stones.
Healthy Cell Walls: Olive oil contains polyphenol which helps in stronger cell walls. It also
increases the elasticity of arterial walls, protecting against various heart conditions.
Digestion: Olive oil is known to aid in the digestive process. It is used as a medicinal oil to clean
the digestive tract and to improve bowel movements.
Cancer: Olive oil is said to protect the human body against cancerous growth, especially bowel
cancer. Medical research done at the prestigious Oxford University has shown positive signs that
the acidic content of this oil can prevent the commencement of rectum and bowel cancer.
The list goes on and on!
Recently there has been a lot of talk about Olive Oil been impure in many cases. Here is how you
know:
Two Step Olive Oil Purity Test
1. Pour 2-4 tbsp of olive oil into a clean glass jar. Seal the jar.
2. Put the jar in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
3. If the oil solidifies, its a monounsaturated and is olive oil.
4. If the oil remains a liquid, it is polyunsaturated and is NOT olive oil.
At Cuisine for Healing we are making our amazing meals with organic olive oil when the recipe
calls for it. All of our homemade dressings use olive oil. Just one more way we are bringing you the power of healthy food to heal.
Happy Healthy Eating,
The Cuisine Team
Information was sourced from organicfacts.net and mayoclinic.or
