“We start with olive oil as babies,” says Antonio Diaz, a native of Spain and owner of tapas restaurant Costa del Sol in New York City. Olive oil is mandatory at every meal in a typical Spanish home, and for good reason: The country makes more than 40% of the world’s supply, although until recently the majority was sold and packaged outside its borders (the Italian olive oil you’re using might actually be from Spain). Spanish olive oil producers are now labeling their own brands, and making a name for themselves as the source for top-quality oil. And with more than 262 different olive varieties (24 of which are used for oil), Spanish oils are more diverse than those from other countries.
Why to try it: Antioxidant-rich olive oil protects against heart disease by controlling LDL, or bad cholesterol, levels while raising HDL, or good cholesterol. In fact, it’s such a health boon that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lets olive oil producers put a heart-health claim on their labels. (It’s one of a handful of foods to get that blessing.) But new research shows olive oil may be more than just good for your ticker. Scientists from Philadelphia’s Monell Chemical Senses Center discovered that olive oil has a compound with the same structure as ibuprofen, the widely used anti-inflammatory painkiller in Advil and Motrin. That means olive oil may offer the same benefits as low doses of the drug, including reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, some cancers, and even Alzheimer’s disease. It also may help fight breast and colon cancers.
What to do with it: Light and aromatic, Spanish olive oil is easy to find at your local grocery store or online at Tienda.com for about $10 to $20 per 17-ounce bottle. Dunk whole-grain bread in olive oil, or drizzle over grilled vegetables. Or try our Shrimp With Garlic in Olive Oil recipe.
Recipe by Mark Bittman
Serve this with lemon wedges and crusty bread to sop up the delicious juices from the pan.
By Joan Raymond
Comments (9)
http://www.iheartoliveoil.com/
I found some fabulous olive oils from california here. I just had to share it!
ya know, we all strive to stay healthy. I just wish that resturant chains (italian ones) would use the olive oil too. Heellllllllllooooooooo Olive Garden’s in Las Vegas, NV I mean you!
Mediterranean food (Spain) is the best and healthy in the world… olive oil, red wine (Rioja & Rivera del Duero) Iberic Jam (Pata negra… of course) Paella Valencia, Cava (Catalonia), ufff I’m hungry
I heard that “lite” olive oil does not have the same health benefits as extra virgin o.O. Is that true?
Hi Pat,
This is true. “Lite” olive oil has been more refined that Extra Virgin, therefore giving EVOO more nutrients for you.
Check this information out on I heart Olive Oil :
http://www.iheartoliveoil.com/about-olive-oil/olive-oil-grades
please let me know about your olive oil products
and pricelist.
please let me know about your olive oil products and price list.
I’m emporting oil.
You are absolutely correct about the health benefits of olive oil. One of the biggest factors in its healthiness is the polyphenol level of the olive oil. The higher the number, the better it is for you. The problem is that it’s impossible to find this in stores. Most of the higher polyphenol level olive oils are organic and can’t be found in your local grocery store. This is a great resource though http://www.naplesoliveoilcompany.com. Hope this helps with your health!