You probably don’t know the nutritional value of olive oil if you think it’s only called “liquid gold” for its color. Actually, this oil is compared with gold because it is so good for your health, thanks to the various qualities that contribute to form it. Want to know more?
Vitamins in EVOO
Vitamins A, C and E are the most common vitamins in extra virgin olive oil. To begin with, vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins for the functioning of practically the whole body. Vitamin C is essential for repairing and maintaining body tissues and it also promotes iron absorption. And vitamin E is a great nutritional property of olive oil, since it works like an antioxidant in the body and also strengthens the immune system.
Fatty acids
Olive oil is the vegetable oil with the highest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. These types of fatty acids are the healthiest for the body, because they help to prevent and reduce cardiovascular disease. This happens because they reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. They are also a very important source of energy for the nervous system.
Polyphenols
Another vital nutritional property of olive oil is the large amount of polyphenols it contains. Like monounsaturated fatty acids, they help to prevent and fight against cardiovascular disease, and they also perform a very important antioxidant activity in the body. Thanks to these, olive oil is a source of eternal youth.
These characteristics are what make olive oil the main pillar of the Mediterranean diet. However, not all olive oils have these nutritional values: it is important that you always choose an extra virgin olive oil, such as Carbonell EVOO.
