The Golden Elixir: 3 Life-Enriching Health Benefits of Olive Oil
As we age, we realize the fragility of life and some begin to take our health more seriously. Personally, I have always lived and understood that the finest things in life are rarely hurried: a well-aged port, the laughter of old friends, and the first cold press of olives just after harvest.
As a young man, I was drawn to the Douro Valley by the promise of my cousin and his large scale olive oil production. I quickly saw the lack of olive oil from Portuguese on the world market. With the region’s rich soil and ideal climate, I knew our olives and olive oils would be of exceptional quality. Our 100% single-estate, extra-virgin olive oil comes from the historic Tras-os-Montes in Portugal where some of the olive trees are more than a century old. Valuing tradition and our heritage, we produce olive oil the way our grandfathers did – with patience and reverence for the land.
But alas – let us move forward to unveil the health benefits of our wonderful golden elixir – olive oil – rich in character, unfiltered, and full of life. Visitors often ask, with curiosity, “Is olive oil truly healthy, or is it just a Mediterranean myth? I will answer this question as a man who has built a glorious life around this fruit and its nectar. Yes. Olive Oil is very healthy and here are three reasons why.
- Olive Oil is a True Friend to the Heart – Olive oil is high in oleic acid and other important monounsaturated fats. These fats are known for their powerful cardiovascular benefits. Medical studies show that daily consumption of olive oil can lower harmful LDL cholesterol, raise protective HDL levels, and even reduce blood pressure.
- Olive Oil is a True Protector of the Mind – As someone who treasures meaningful conversation, a sharp intellect and mental acuity, I take comfort in knowing that a diet rich in olive oil supports the brain. Early-harvest oil is especially rich in polyphenols – the compounds believed to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Further studies have identified extra virgin olive oil as being linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. When I walk through the grove at dusk, watching the light settle on the hills, I am reminded that what we eat deeply affects how we think, remember, and feel.
- Olive Oil is Mother Nature’s Natural Anti-Inflammatory Remedy – The older I get, the more I appreciate movement without pain – especially as an avid long-distance runner. Our beloved Azeite Esplendido Extra Virgin Olive Oil plays a role in this as well. A compound called oleocanthal gives high-quality olive oil its distinctive peppery finish and functions as Mother Nature’s natural anti-inflammatory. One might compare this to small doses of ibuprofen, but without the side effects.
One will not argue the point that there are more than three reasons as to why olive oil is a healthy addition to your diet. For those of us curating the earth’s gift high in the hills overlooking the Douro valley, olive oil is not just food. Our gold medal, award-winning Azeite Esplendido 100% Portuguese Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a way of life, a tradition, a medicine, and a cultural history. My friends, I am honored to share this rich gift with you. Next time you purchase an olive oil, be confident you are making a good choice in favor of your health. And, choose one made with love, with heart, and soul, and from a place rooted in centuries of wisdom. Choose Award Winning, Single Origin, Single Estate, Azeite Esplendido – 100% Portuguese Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
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