Do a Double Dribble of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) everyday! Not only are two tablespoons of EVOO (incorporated in your daily diet) an excellent source of healthy ingredients; they can take you on a glorious trip around the world.
So let's talk about the health benefits of EVOO. You can tuck them away in your mind, as you do a double dribble of EVOO everyday.
EVOO has many health benefits among which it is a core component of the well-known Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes and of course EVOO.
Did you know that EVOO, is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols, or healthy plant compounds? Did you know that EVOO is anti-inflammatory, a characteristic shared with aspirin? EVOO also helps to lower the risk of heart disease, and reduce age-dependent cognitive decline as well as the risk to develop cognitive impairment. These are just some of the health benefits of this natural product.
But apart from the health benefits of EVOO, the flavor profiles are profound. There are so many countries and regions from which to choose. Like a great bottle of wine, EVOO notes speak of the "terra" where the olives are grown and also of the type of cultivar it comes from. All to say that a double dribble of EVOO, will go a long way.
Be sure to read the label when buying a bottle of EVOO, and ensure that it is a cold press, and not a blended oil. Some labeling can mislead consumers. EVOO is the first product you can get from an olive, it is also typically obtained through a cold press process which has the advantage to keep all of the nutrients intact.
Also, while EVOO is probably best consumed raw, you can absolutely cook with EVOO, heating can change the flavor profile. If you are splurging on the best, then full flavor notes are at their peak when EVOO is the star of the show, such as a drizzle on vegetables, as a dressing for a simple and elegant salad, or even perhaps perfectly paired with only a piece of crusty bread. For some quick ideas about adding EVOO to your diet, read these suggestions from the Olive Wellness Institute.
In my house, it is guaranteed that there is always bread, always wine and always EVOO on the table. Think simplicity! So many of our dinners are vegetables only, and often the final dribble of EVOO is the sign that dinner is ready.
Try dribbling EVOO on broccolini, green beans, legumes, roasted zucchini, escarole or asparagus just to name a few. A giant bowl of greens topped with EVOO, a glass of wine and bread is quick, and so thoroughly satisfying.
And finally, as you think about EVVO in your daily diet, think of the double dribble, as being incorporated into an overall healthy diet and not a stand alone, taken on a tablespoon. Eating healthy, means having a varied and balanced diet that dovetails daily exercise. This is the best formula for overall well being!
For broad information and resources related to Alzheimer’s disease, click here to visit Alzheimer’s Association website. Or connect with other great resources, National Institute on Aging or American Federation for Aging Research.
If you are interested in reading more of my blogs:
Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the position of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and the Founding Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Neural Sciences at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
For more information on the research conducted by Dr. Domenico Pratico, please visit this link.
Connect with Dr. Domenico Pratico through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Medium.
Stay updated with the work happening at Dr. Domenico Pratico's lab by visiting the Pratico Lab website.