Posts Tagged ‘health benefits of olive oil’

The Health Benefits of Olive Oil - So What Exactly Are They?

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Naples Olive Oil Company located exclusively within Health Wize at the Green Tree Plaza offers an array of organic first cold pressed extra virgin olive oils and flavored balsamic vinegars.

Buying in bulk from single growers all over the world, guarantees quality and freshness. Naples Olive Oil Company’s exclusive harvests insure only the finest grade olives and herbs as well as flavored balsamic vinegars. Look for olive oils that are first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. These are the highest quality olive oils meaning no heat or chemicals have been used in the extraction processs.

Research is showing the many health attributes of olive oil. Among the benefits are: protection against heart disease, reduces inflammation, protection against bone loss, better blood sugar control, and helping control stubborn belly fat. The polyphenols in the olive oil are antioxidants that support all the health benefits from the oils.

Antioxidants work by neutralizing highly reactive, destructive compounds called free radicals. An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Free radicals contribute to a host of diseases as well as the ageing process. Consuming more antioxidants helps the body to neutralize harmful free radicals. High phenol counts are generally more robust in flavor. Phenols help protect the oil and act as a natural preservative. Some Extra Virgin Olive Oils are an excellent source of Polyphenols and some are not. Oils with less than 120PPM (parts per million) are considered low. Oils with counts between 120-220 are considered medium. Anything above 220 is considered high. Most of Naples Olive Oil Company oils begin in the 300 range. With the Coratina harvest from Australia being the healthiest coming in at a 469 count. SUPER HEALTHY!!!! It has a strong flavor with an aftertaste “bite” perfect for bruschetta, tomatoes and mozzarella, or grilled vegetables.

Another important area of healthy living where olive oil plays a part is in the ability to maintain a healthy weight by reducing insulin resistance. The big buzz now, is that healthy fats such as the mono-unsaturated fats in olive oil have an appetite suppressing action in the body. Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells. It tells our brains when we should eat, how much, and when to stop. Most Americans today, are leptin resistant, which means our bodies won’t produce the signals that our brains need to stop eating.

Too many unhealthy fats and sugars inhibit the production of leptin, therefore, making it difficult to stop eating. One way to trick your metabolism is by taking one tablespoon of high quality olive oil – one hour before a meal. It has been said to produce the appetite suppressing hormone Leptin.

To this day, the origin of balsamic vinegar is not known. Earliest known dates go back to the 1400’s, when it was only available to royalty and the most affluent. Balsamic vinegars have been used since ancient times as a zesty seasoning and a healthy tonic to relieve fatigue, help digestion, and aid in weight loss.

Balsamics are a balance of contrasts. Sweet and sharp. Spicy and mellow. The process of becoming vinegar occurs in wooden barrels. As the volume decreases through evaporation over the years, the maturing liquid is transferred to smaller and smaller casks, each with its special blend of aromatic flavoring woods. The filled barrels are placed in the attic to ideal temperatures. Hot in summer, cold in winter. Over the years of aging, the fruit and spice and mood of the finest Balsamic emerges. Naples Olive Oil Company currently offers nine outstanding flavors: Fig, Black Cherry, Strawberry, Blueberry, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Peach, Cinnamon Pear, and 18yr. aged Traditional.

The unique tasting bar allows the connoisseur to sample all the different flavors and harvests offered by this charming health boutique Health Wize. After tasting the selected item it is then freshly bottled, identified and dated for you. Along, with better natural products – vitamins and supplements, Health Wize also offers unique olive oil accessory items as gifts or for personal use.

Conveniently located in North Naples at the GreenTree Center ; Naples Olive Oil Company is not your ordinary store. It is well worth the trip to experience its unique blend of culinary and nutraceutical expertise.