Antioxidants are minerals, nutrients, enzymes (proteins), and other compounds that are believed to help reduce chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's, and Rheumatoid arthritis. The antioxidant is effective because it neutralizes free radicals in our body. To put it in my words, the free radicals are bad guys running loose in the body, the antioxidants grab on to them, causing a chain reaction, which at the end of the day, will have the effect of there being fewer free radicals to cause harm.
With this post, I continue with a series of messages on foods that are high in antioxidants. Eating them will by no means be a guarantee that you are safeguarded. Good nutrition and diet are positive ways that you can help your body function in the manner that it was created. Remember to clean your pantry out, removing processed foods, foods containing white sugar and white flour. See the Let's Talk About your Pantry post if you need a reminder of why.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
is High in Antioxidants
Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that is consumed fresh from the fruit. It is high in monosaturated fat and antioxidative substances. The "Extra" Virgin oil is from the first pressing of the olives. It has a more delicate flavor and is not processed by heat and chemicals.
Being cold-pressed, olive oil is rich in health-boosting essential fatty acids. "EFA's" will eventually convert to compounds which are needed by the body for inflammatory response, energy production, tissue growth and repair, blood pressure regulation, and fat metabolism.
The Mediterranean region of the world has been known for its production and consumption of olive oil with 95% of the world's supply coming from that region. With the world wide education as to the health benefits of the oil from olives, it is becoming embraced as a staple in American homes.
In chapter 8 of the book of Deuteronomy, as the Israelites are preparing to move into the promised land, verses 7-8 describe the state of the land: "For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land--a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey". It is called a "good" land because of the wealth of resources, one being olive oil. Olive oil is GOOD!
... and because of its wide acceptance in the United States, consumers can now purchase it at competitive prices. Keep a bottle in a cool, dark pantry and reach for it when preparing the pan for cooked vegetables, mixing with a vinegar for salad dressing, or brushing over salmon or other cold-water fish. It comes in a spray cooking oil as a non-stick substitute. You might enjoy What's cooking America which has a conversion table for butter to olive oil.
You see, olive oil is not only useful, it is a preventative. A teaspoon a day would be beneficial, but what pleasure would that bring? After reading the positive characteristics of olive oil, make it your oil of choice! M
Here are the most agreed upon benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- Consumption lowers the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol in the blood.
- Consumption reduces the risk of colon cancer.
- Consumption keeps the arteries supple and allows for less fatty deposits on the blood vessel walls.
- It is extremely high in antioxidants, especially the "Extra" Virgin Olive Oil.
- It is rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E, K, and Iron.
- It is tolerated well by the stomach, especially mild on ulcers and gastritis.
Please do not rely on my comments and opinions for your diet choices.
