Glorious Olive Oil

Hello my friends and Benvenuto!

 

This blog is in tribute to one of the greatest food values on the face of the earth, Olive Oil.  I write it because one of the nurses I work with, Connie, has had a glorious experience by using Olive Oil.  She has an inflamed gallbladder that acts up more times then not.  It seems many of the fried foods, spicy foods, and who knows what foods, get her gallbladder upset, and causes her much pain and discomfort. 

 

Her daughter, who has my Cookbook, Rosalie Serving Italian, fixed my Spiedini Recipe with the Peppermint Sauce.  Connie said her daughter was so proud to have made the dish, that Connie just thought she would eat it and pay the price later. However, she felt great, and never had a problem.  The next day she came to work and was telling me about her experience.  I immediately knew the healer... Olive Oil.  "Why not do an experiment, I said, "cook everything in Olive Oil".  I went down the list: eggs, vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, anything.  Use it in all your cakes when it calls for oil, (preferred "mild").  Use it on all your salads.  Just use it!

 

After my preaching episode, I decided to get some actual facts about Olive Oil.  Did you know the greatest exponent of monounsaturated fat is olive oil?  The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content antioxidative substances.

 

Heart Disease:

Studies have shown that olive oil offers protections against Heart Disease by controlling LDL, (bad cholesterol levels), while raising HDL, (good cholesterol levels). No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated fat as olive oil-mainly oleic acid.

 

Gastric Problems:  

Lowers blood glucose, has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. It is very well tolerated by the stomach;  activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than prescribed drugs.  Consequently, it lowers the incidence of gallstone formation, thus helping my nurse friend, Connies's inflamed gallbladder.

 

Colon Cancer:
Studies strongly prove that using olive oil in your diet greatly reduces chances of colon cancer. Researchers believe constituents of olive oil, such as flavonoids, squalene and polyphenols, may help to protect against cancer.

 

Lowers Blood Pressure:

Polyphenols are potent antioxidants which help arteries dilate, thereby reducing blood pressure.  Ten grams of extra-virgin olive oil contains five mg of polyphenols; sunflower oil has no polyphenols.

 

Skin and Hair:

Did you also know that olive oil is great for your skin?  It actually keeps shin elastic and smooth.  It has been said that putting olive oil on your hair brings nutrients and luster.  I know people that make a salad on their head.  Take an avocado and mash it up, stir in some olive oil, and put it on your head. Put a shower cap on your head and go to bed.  Shampoo your hair the next day and... voila, beautiful hair. 

 

So, my friends, use your glorious Olive Oil. While all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed. Extra Virgin works nicely on your vegetables, salads, and sauces.  Bertolli Classico Mild works well for frying and in cakes. Never use "light" olive oil, it has no nutrient properties.

 

 No wonder the Mediterranean Diet has been applauded and even coveted.  The people are definitely healthier, and mainly because Olive Oil is their number one component. So, loose no time my friend.  Start today and incorporate Glorious Olive Oil into your diet.  To help do so, get my book Rosalie Serving Italian.  Just click on my website and buy it right on line, or get it near a bookstore near you.

 

God Bless, and Tutto va bene (Everything's fine)

Rosalie Firoino Harpole