OLIVE OIL

In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, the father of modern Medicine, called it “the great therapeutic.” Homer called it “liquid gold” and ancient Greek athletes ritually rubbed it all over their bodies. The health benefits of Olive oil that have been known and applied for centuries in ancient Greece are now being rediscovered by modern day researchers. A study published in the March 2004 issue of Medical Science Monitor reported that 2 tablespoons a day of olive oil added to an otherwise unchanged diet resulted in significant drops in total and LDL cholesterol.

Olive oil is recognized as important in maintaining metabolism and contributes to the development of the brain and bones in children. It is also recommended as a source of vitamin E for older people. A natural anti-oxidant, olive oil slows down the natural aging process. It also slows down acid overproduction in the digestive system thereby reducing the risk for ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems.

There is also a low incidence of skin cancer among Mediterranean populations, and olive oil consumption could be a contributing factor to this low skin cancer rate.

In addition to using it in stir frying foods, or salads, you can take 2 tablespoons in purple grape juice and just drink it down. Delicious!