The Wonders of Olive Oil

Who says you have to use butter or margarine on your toast or baked potato?  Use first cold pressed Organic Olive oil instead of butter or margarine as a healthy and tasty substitute for butter or margarine.  Olive oil contains Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (aka MUFA’s). Research has show that a diet containing this fatty acid may help to reduce inflammation in the human body and help brain and heart function. Many of us have heard of the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet, which includes consumption of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits (buy organic when you can to limit your exposure to pesticides), fish and garlic; olive oil is one of the components of this diet.  (Limit your consumption of fats such as meats, sweets and processed snacks and desserts).

One can use olive oil in so many ways, drizzle it on chicken breasts then bake, use it to saute vegetables, it can even be used in baking for many recipes. (It may change the taste a bit, but you can try different brands to find a taste that suits your baking needs). Olive oil has a lower smoke point  than other oils so use care if sauteing on the stove; using a non stick type of pan on a low to medium heat works the best (high heat on the stove top should not be used). Try to incorporate a little olive oil in your diet each day as one small way to work towards a goal of healthier living.