CHARACTERISTICS Primolea’s extra virgin olive oil varieties are made from fresh olives within 24 hours of picking. Leaves and stems are removed; the olives are washed, and then ground and mixed – or malaxated– into a paste. Finally, the olives are cold pressed using an industrial decanter to extract the oil with no water added, which is crucial for a high quality oil. We at Primolea are absolutely convinced that this oil making process, fully carried out in stainless steel equipment, allows the extracted olive oil to retain a balanced PBF, that is, pepperiness –the level of anti- oxidants–, bitterness –the mark of a young oil–, and fruitiness –the typicity of each variety. These qualities are imparted by the vitamins and properties of the olives from which our oil comes. This is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed in its ‘crude’ or unrefined state. Given its marked characteristics, olive oil is a major source of nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet. • Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease • Lowers cholesterol levels and enhances metabolic functions • Has beneficial antioxidant effects • Is rich in vitamin A (strengthens the body’s natural defenses), D (antirachitic), E (antisterility factor), F, K (antihemorrhagic factor) 10 BENEFITS AND HEALTHY PROPERTIES OF OLIVE OIL 1. Reduces the risk of suffering from Type II Diabetes A low-fat diet is typically recommended to prevent diseases such as diabetes or those related to the heart. In fact, different studies have shown that high fat intake in the daily diet increases the risk of suffering from serious diseases such as cancer and diabetes. With this said, it is worth noting that it is the type of fat intake, rather than the amount of it, that seriously affects health. Consequently, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats (such as those found in olive oil, nuts, and seeds) has been found to offer protection against many chronic diseases. On the other hand, according to a study published in the scientific journal '' Diabetes Care '', it has been shown that a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in olive oil, reduces the risk of type II diabetes by almost 50%, in comparison on a low-fat diet. Type II diabetes is the most common and preventable form of diabetes. 2. Helps prevent a stroke According to a study conducted in France, and published in the online edition of Neurology, older people who consume olive oil on a daily basis may be able to protect themselves from stroke. The study collected information from the medical records of 7,625 people over the age of 65 from three cities in France - Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpellier - none of whom had a history of stroke. The individuals were classified into three groups, based on their consumption of olive oil. After five years, 148 strokes were reported. The results showed that individuals who frequently consumed olive oil had a 41% lower risk of stroke, compared to those who did not consume olive oil at all. 3. Keeps your heart young and healthy As we age, our hearts go through a normal aging process. The function of the artery tends to decline with age, leading to a number of health problems. In a recent study, Spanish researchers discovered that a diet rich in olive oil and other monounsaturated fats could improve arterial function in elderly people. 4. Helps fight osteoporosis A disease predominantly characterized by the decrease in bone mass is osteoporosis, which makes the architecture of the bone tissue more fragile, and increases the possibility of fractures, making the slightest stumbling block, the results can be fatal. However, it was found that olive oil supplements can positively influence bone thickness. While olive oil is not the only solution, scientists have concluded that it holds great promise for the development of future treatments for the disease. 5. Helps fight depression Olive oil is known to be beneficial for countless physical ailments, but did you know that it can also work for emotional health? Spanish researchers from the University of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, found that a diet rich in olive oil can protect those who consume it from mental illness. It has recently been discovered that a higher intake of olive oil and polyunsaturated fats such as those found in fish and vegetable oils, decrease the risk of depression. According to the findings, cardiovascular disease and depression share some common diet-related mechanisms. 6. Prevents skin cancer A recent study found that olive oil contributes to the prevention of malignant melanomas (the most dangerous type of skin cancer). However, the use of sunscreen, the intake of olive oil and a Mediterranean diet can help you protect against the effects of the sun. 7. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease Numerous studies lead that olive oil can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A study published in the journal Chemistry of Neuroscience showed that oleocanthal (a type of natural phenolic compound found in extra virgin olive oil) has the potential to reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's and cognitive impairment that come with aging. The polyphenols in olive oil are powerful antioxidants, which can help reverse oxidative damage that occurs due to the aging process. 8. Protection against breast cancer A high-fat diet is directly related to an increased risk of cancer. However, the types of fats consumed can actually play a protective role against tumor development. Virgin olive oil is rich in oleic acid - a monounsaturated fatty acid, which contains various bioactive compounds such as antioxidants. Research shows that a moderate and regular consumption of olive oil reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. 9. Reduces oxidative stress Studies suggest that olive oil can protect the liver from oxidative stress. To test this theory, the scientists exposed a group of rats to a moderately toxic herbicide c to deplete antioxidants and cause oxidative stress. The results showed that rats fed a diet containing olive oil were partially protected from liver damage. 10. Contains anti-inflammatory substances Chronic inflammation is believed to be a leading cause of many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and arthritis. However, one of the benefits of olive oil lies in its ability to fight inflammation. The anti- inflammatory effects of oil appear to be mediated by the antioxidants in olive oil. One of these antioxidants is oleocanthal - which works like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug. In fact, 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil has a similar effect to 10% of the adult ibuprofen dose for pain relief.