Olive oil is made by pressing whole olives to extract the liquid fat, or olive oil. Why might we want to consume olive oil? Well it contains essential fatty acids and nutrients our bodies need! We need all of the macronutrients in our dietary pattern, and it is important to include nutritious sources of fats. Olive oil is a healthful source of dietary fat that can help our bodies perform many functions.
Nutrients in olive oil include vitamins E, K, and essential fatty acids from the unsaturated fat.¹ Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. It can also help prevent heart disease, cancer, eye damage, and cognitive decline.² On the other hand, vitamin K also has some health benefits. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and makes proteins needed for building up bone.³ Both vitamins E and K support heart health.
Did you know there are some fats that our bodies need from food to function? These fats are classified as essential fatty acids. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids, like omega-3 fatty acids, that helps our bodies balance hormones, regulate blood sugar, and decrease inflammation. Other health benefits from olive oil include antimicrobial properties, antitumor properties, and helping with glucose metabolism (aka regulating breakdown of carbs to help prevent diabetes).⁴
When consuming olive oil with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein, our bodies can reap the benefits of olive oil being “heart healthy.”⁴ Including more olive oil in your dietary pattern can benefit you in many ways and if you are looking to purchase great-quality oil from the highest quality olives, visit us at 428 3rd St, Beaver, PA 15009 or order online http://www.tworiversoliveoil.com/.
Meet Ava:
I am a registered dietitian-to-be and just received my master’s degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from the University of Pittsburgh. I am currently studying to take the certification examination to become a registered dietitian and will have my official credentials this summer! I’m excited to help run the social media accounts for Two Rivers Olive Oil Company and share some health benefits of olive oil and balsamic! This product is of the highest quality and if you haven’t visited the tasting room in Beaver, PA yet…run there! Don’t forget to follow us on social media @TwoRiversOliveOil
References:
- Oil, olive, salad or cooking. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, 2019. Accessed April 27, 2023. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171413/nutrients
- Vitamin E. Harvard School of Public Health. Updated March 2023. Accessed April 27, 2023. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-e/
- Vitamin K. Harvard School of Public Health. Updated March 2023. Accessed April 27, 2023. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-k/
- Jimenez-Lopez C, Carpena M, Lourenço-Lopes C, et al. Bioactive Compounds and Quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Foods. 2020; 9(8): 1014. doi: 10.3390/foods9081014