Olive oil is the pure oil obtained from the fruit of olive trees. No oil obtained using solvents, re-esterification processes, or mixed with other vegetable oils qualifies under this description.

There are many different kinds of olives, or varietals from which oil can be produced, and each brings a unique flavor and quality to the oil. While some olive oil is made by blending different varietals together, mono-varietals are made using just one. It is the variety of olive, along with the maturity of the fruit, that contributes most to the flavor of the oil.

Olive oils described as ‘ virgin’ are those that have been obtained from the original fruit without having been synthetically treated. Once the olives have been picked, pressed, and washed, no other process has taken place other than decantation, and centrifugation to extract the oil, and filtration. The best quality of olive oil available is described as ‘ extra virgin’ .

Health Benefits of Olive Oil
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The health benefits of olive oil are extensive with new positive attributes discovered all the time. One prominent cardiologist recommends at least two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil each day. At present it is believed that in addition to bolstering the immune system and helping to protect against viruses, olive oil is also effective in fighting against diseases such as:

Heart Disease: Olive oil helps lower levels of blood cholesterol leading to heart disease.
Oxident Stress: Olive oil contains antioxidents such as Vitimin E, carotenoids and phenolic compounds which also help lead to long life.
Cancer: Studies suggest that olive oil exerts a protective effect against certain malignant tumors ( breast, prostate, endometrium, digestive tract… ) . A number of research studies have documented that olive oil reduces the risk of breast cancer. Eating a healthy diet with olive oil as the main source of fat could considerably lower cancer incidence.
Blood Pressure: Recent studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease both systolic ( maximum) and diastolic ( minimum) blood pressure.
Diabetes: It has been demonstrated that a diet that is rich in olive oil, low in saturated fats, moderately rich in carbohydrates and soluble fiber from fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains is the most effective approach for diabetics. It helps lower “ bad� low-density lipoproteins while improving blood sugar control and enhances insulin sensitivity.
Obesity: Although high in calories, olive oil has shown to help reduce levels of obesity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Although the reasons are still not fully clear, recent studies have proved that people with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatiod arthritis.
Osteoporosis: A high consumption of olive oil appears to improve bone mineralization and calcification. It helps calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis.

Olive Oil and Skin Care
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Since ancient times olive oil has been used as a way to moisturize and help rejuvenate damaged skin.

As we age our skin deteriorates and its inner and outer layers ( dermis and epidermis) grow much thinner. The stresses and strains of aging also cause the skin to lose elasticity, which soon becomes noticeable as wrinkles. External factors, such as the suns rays can also speed up the aging process by generating what are called ‘ free radicals’ . The good news is that it’ s possible to reduce the damage done to cells by using ‘ inhibitors’ that lower the risk. There are many creams and lotions on the market that can help with this but if you’ re looking for a natural ‘ inhibitor’ , you need look no further than olive oil, which has a lipid profile very close to that of human skin.

Olive oil has a large proportion of vitamins A, D, and K, as well as vitamin E, which is a key source of protein needed in the fight against free radicals. This makes olive oil particularly helpful in the fight against skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and seborrheic eczemas.

More generally, olive oil can be used daily to improve the condition of skin in the following ways:

As an exfoliator: Mixing olive oil with sea salt and massaging into an affected area helps remove dead skin and enrich the healthier layers below it. Adding oil to a bath also helps moisturize the whole body.

In nail and cuticle care: Extra virgin olive oil is a simple solution for dry nails and cuticles. By rubbing a few drops into the cuticle area and around the nail, cuticles stay moist, and nails respond with a natural shine.

As an eye makeup remover: A drop or two of extra virgin olive oil on a cotton pad helps to gently and effectively remove eye makeup without irritating the delicate skin. Olive oil also helps to smooth wrinkles that can form around the eyes.

Cooking with Olive Oil
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As a finish and condiment, high quality extra virgin olive oils are poured over everything from rices, potatoes vegetables and beans to meats, poultry and fish.

Olive oil is a versatile ingredient that has been used in cooking for thousands of years. It has broken down a lot of boundaries in recent times, becoming a staple in decent kitchens well beyond the area of its Mediterranean roots, and even taking uncanny steps into dessert territory. Not only can you cook just about anything with olive oil, you should cook just about everything with olive oil instead of using less healthy fats or butter.

Robust extra virgin oils are perfect for cooking seafood, to make marinades, or on strongly flavored ingredients such as peppers or garlic. A medium intensity oil is delicious with mozzarella and for dipping bread, for frying and sauté ing. More mild olive oils work well when used in baking. Whatever the use, the most important thing is to find an oil that tastes great to you. Have several different kinds on hand and experiment pairing oils with your dishes. When it works, you’ ll know it. The flavor of fresh olive fruit will shine through adding a new sublime dimension to your creation.

Frying with Olive Oil
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A cooking oil’ s smoke point is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and smoke. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil has a higher smoke point than other oils, making it very suitable for many forms of cooking, including frying, and cooking doesn’ t destroy an EVOO’ s healthful polyphenols.

“ Extra virgin olive oil’ s smoke point is generally given as 410 degrees Fahrenheit, which gives plenty of room for the 250-350 degrees Fahrenheit that covers most cooking, � says Karen Collins, a nutrition adviser for the American Institute for Cancer Research, a nonprofit which funds cancer-prevention research.