OLIVE OIL AND HEALTH

Extra virgin olive oil for health and gourmet delights

Al Torcio’s extra virgin olive oil, which is at the very top of the list of the best oils in the world, features a magnificent green colour, a rich taste and aroma, and comes with important, scientifically proven health benefits.

The olive is a symbol of peace and an Istrian trademark

The olive: a mythical and biblical fruit, a symbol of our Mediterranean life and a trademark of Istria. It has been the backbone of people's lives in Istria for thousands of years.

Nothing compares to olive oil - the elixir of life!

It is simply incomparable; it’s a symbol of the Mediterranean, of health, of gastronomic pleasure and of a comfortable and serene old age. Olive oil has an exceptional smell and is used as a great condiment in the most exquisite dishes. It’s the most valuable fat in the human diet. Very often it has been used for skincare and as a cure for various ailments. It is thought of by many as the ‘elixir of life,’ ‘divine fruit’ and ‘liquid gold.’ What lies behind such supernatural properties? Olive trees, and the oil they yield! The oil of people and of the gods, of mercy and of anointing.

The healing properties of olive oil

The people of the Mediterranean have been using olive oil in their diet for centuries and the result is impressive: they are among the people with the longest life expectancy. It is no coincidence that they prefer olive oil to water and that they believe olive oil to have medical properties - because it really does.

Olive oil has an extremely positive effect on the human body and is beneficial to health. The olive symbolises friendship and peace. It cures more than 60 diseases. Its fruits, along with its oil and leaves, are full of nutrients, vitamins and medicinal properties. Some of them are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-viral.

Extra virgin olive oil helps with diabetes, high cholesterol and even some types of cancer. It is good for the bones, joints, skin, liver and intestines.

Extra virgin olive oil does not contain cholesterol. The oleic acid features properties of not only lowering bad cholesterol levels, but also raising good cholesterol levels.

In addition to stimulating the absorption of minerals to preserve bone density, olive oil regulates blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of diabetes.

The omega-3 fatty acids, oleic acid and oleocanthal contained in olive oil have strong anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the symptoms of diseases affecting muscles and joints.

WHY IS OLIVE OIL GOOD FOR OUR HEALTH?

Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that is rich in polyphenols, and offers the body various health advantages:

• slowing down the cell aging process
• preventing stroke (where there is high risk)
• benefiting the heart and the entire cardiovascular system
• reducing the deposition of LDL cholesterol in the arteries, preventing plaque formation
• reducing inflammation in the body and tissues, thanks to the presence of polyphenols
• improving the level of cortisol that causes stress
• reducing the risk of developing diabetes
• promoting learning and memory, by protecting brain tissue from toxic substances
• promoting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins during meals, lubricating the digestive tract

Numerous scientific studies have proven the significant health benefits of olive oil!

Powerful anti-aging protection: Due to its exceptional content of antioxidants, especially phenolic substances, extra virgin olive oil slows down the aging process as it has a positive impact on oxidative stress.

Cardiovascular diseases: Olive oil is highly digestible and has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels. The risk of developing these diseases decreases in proportion to the consumption of olive oil.

Arterial hypertension: Regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil helps to reduce blood pressure, both at the systolic (maximum) and diastolic (minimum) levels. The key compound in this case is the biophenols.

Anti-inflammatory: Scientific studies have shown that vitamin E, oleic acid and the polyphenolic compounds hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein inhibit inflammatory processes.

Tumors: The combination of monounsaturated fats and biophenols reduces the risks associated with the most common cancers - bowel, colon, prostate, pancreas, endometrial and breast.

Diabetes: A diet that is rich in extra virgin olive oil, low in saturated fat and moderately rich in soluble carbohydrates and fibre, has proven to be the most effective diet for diabetics.

Obesity: Due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (77%) and the antioxidant content, olive oil reduces the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) by increasing the level of HDL (good cholesterol).

Although extra virgin olive oil contains 9 calories per gram, there is a lower percentage of obesity among the Mediterranean population – who consume extra virgin olive oil in higher quantities - than in areas where animal fat is used.

Immune system: The fatty acids in olive oil have been shown to strengthen the immune system against attacks from bacteria and viruses.

Arthritis: Individuals who consume small doses of extra virgin olive oil are two and a half times less likely to develop this disease, the frequency of which is related to the antioxidant content.

Digestive system: Extra virgin olive oil inhibits gastric motility, promoting digestion and the absorption of nutrients.

Depression - Olive oil increases the level of serotonin, the so-called ‘happiness hormone,’ which regulates our mood, appetite and biological clock. Extra virgin olive oil performs a function similar to most antidepressants, increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. A study conducted on a sample of 10,000 university students confirmed the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet in reducing cases of depression.

Olive oil increases sexual desire

Olive oil relieves muscle pain. It has a beneficial effect on haemorrhoids, pneumonia, skin diseases, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections including lichens. In addition, olive oil increases sexual desire.

It is great for the complexion and provides skin with a healthy glow. When mixed with salt, the mixture can be used as a remedy for gum and tooth diseases. The olive oil protects against toxins, helps activate digestion and makes the hair shiny and beautiful.

Olive oil is an excellent anti-aging agent that increases life expectancy.

It is a great remedy for ulcers, itching, cold sores, contact dermatitis, scars and smallpox. Some doctors recommend the use of olive oil to treat epilepsy. It is a good diuretic and a useful aid for resolving kidney stones. Olive oil will also cure sinus problems. Pour some olive oil into water in which barley has been soaked, and drinking it will help with constipation.