Enjoy Olive Oil Tastings & Learn the Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

According to Reuters Health, just a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil helps cholesterol go down! The study indicated that adults who consumed nearly two tablespoons of virgin olive oil daily for one week showed less oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of healthy anti-oxidant compounds, particularly phenols in the blood.

Not only does olive oil add wonderful flavors to your food, olive oil is one of nature’s healing wonders. This liquid gold works to keep hearts healthy, may reduce the risk of inflammation and certain cancers, and may even play a role in controlling diabetes and weight.

Olive oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fat and anti-oxidants like chlorophyll, carotenoids and vitamin E. Replacing other fats in your diet with olive oil can significantly lower blood pressure, triglycerides and reduce the risk of heart attack. Diabetics or those at risk for diabetes are advised to follow a diet that is low in carbohydrates. Some researchers now believe that a diet high in mono-unsaturated fats such as olive oil, is even more effective. Used cosmetically, olive oil is wonderfully healing when smoothed onto dry skin. It helps heal sunburn and other skin burns, minor skin eruptions and inflammation.

Be sure to buy quality, extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is produced from the first pressing of the olives. It has the lightest flavor and contains the richest array of anti-oxidants. There is a recent study showing that many of the olive oils in supermarkets have been altered by adding lower priced, lower-grade oils and artificial coloring to the bottles, thereby reducing the health benefits of the olive oil.

Olive oil tastings are held on OTLQ’s First Thursdays monthly, including January 4th at La Quinta Olive Oil Company from 5-8 pm. Experience the taste of a wide range of delectable oils and balsamic vinegars with different food pairings and recipes shared each month.

For more information, call La Quinta Olive Oil Company at 760-777-9992.