Polyphenol Rich Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Wellness

Mediterranean Diet Best To Protect Kidneys Says New Study

^{Updated January 20th 2022}

Following a Mediterranean Diet, with plenty of extra virgin olive oil, could help preserve kidney function, according to new research.

According to the study, published in January 2022 in Clinical Nutrition from The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, regular consumption of a Mediterranean Diet could contribute to a healthier kidney function, especially for those with a history of heart troubles.

The study was based on results from more than 1,000 coronary heart disease patients (specifically those who have suffered a coronary event six months ago or more).   As reported in Eatthisnotthat, researchers assigned half of these participants to stick to a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil and half to follow a low-fat diet rich in complex carbohydrates.

According to study co-author Elena Yubero Serrano, PhD; “Our main findings are that the long-term consumption of a Mediterranean diet—one [that is] rich in monounsaturated fat from olive oil—when compared to a low-fat diet, slows and preserves kidney function in those persons with coronary heart disease.”

The research showed that both diets were linked with improved kidney function but the positive effect was significantly greater with the Mediterranean diet, rich in extra virgin olive oil.

The Best Olive Oil For Your Mediterranean Diet

Morocco Gold is a super-premium beautifully crafted Extra Virgin olive oil, made in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Although Morocco is now the fourth largest producer of olive oil in the world, the unique qualities of it’s olive oils are largely unknown.

Spanish, Italian and Greek olive oils are well known. However, thanks to Morocco Gold, this will not for long!

Morocco Gold is made exclusively from the Picholine Marocaine olives. We take no shortcuts from harvest to production. From branch to bottle, no shortcuts are taken, no steps are overlooked. The result is a ‘liquid gold’: a rare, polyphenol rich Extra Virgin olive oil of brilliant quality, extraordinary health benefits and a taste like no other.

The increased focus on healthy food and healthy diet has seen more food lovers turn towards diets like the Mediterranean diet and the Keto diet. Whether this is for specific health reasons, a diet to lower cholesterol, a diet for high blood pressure, a diet for weight loss or for overall wellness one of the key constituents that remains a constant is Extra Virgin olive oil, the original superfood.

What makes Evoo so special is that it has stood the test of time as a superfood from the time of the ancients.

A Truly Unique Source Of Best Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The story of Morocco Gold Extra Virgin olive oil arguably begins a long time ago – a very long time ago. Morocco Gold olives grow in the raised valley of the magnificent Atlas mountains. Located in the Beni Mellal region of Morocco. The area rarely sees many tourists or ‘outsiders’.

This raised valley is between 700m and 900m above sea level. This creates its own micro-climate with temperatures generally 2c below the coastal plain in the daytime and 5c at night-time. These differences, combined with the naturally occurring nutrients in the soil create uniquely high-quality olive growing conditions for the Picholine Marocaine, the only type of olive used in Morocco Gold.

Polyphenols are a potent antioxidant – one that can decommission a nasty molecule in your body called free radicals. Free radicals can ricochet around inside your body and harm good cells. Antioxidants, such as the polyphenols found in Extra Virgin olive oil, work to neutralize free radicals; protecting the body from their harmful antics.

The high polyphenol content of Morocco Gold Extra Virgin olive oil is dependent on three factors. Firstly, the variety of the olive. Secondly, the climate and terroir of the growing region. Thirdly, the time in the growing season and the harvest of the crop.

Morocco Gold is pressed from the Picholine Marocaine. The only type of olive to go into our Extra Virgin olive oil. Oil from this variety is renowned for it’s high polyphenol count, oxidative stability and longevity.

Our olives are grown in a valley that is about 2,000 feet above sea level. This helps to create the additional climatic challenges that encourage polyphenol uptake within the olive tree. It is also an area with naturally occurring high phenols in the soil itself.

Over time layer upon layer of decomposed organic matter has contributed massively to the rich content of phenols in the local soil. This contributes to the very high levels polyphenols found in Morocco Gold Extra Virgin olive oil.

Thirdly, our olives are picked when the fruit is young and green. As the olives age on the tree, the colour of the olive changes to red and then black. The olive increases in size producing more oil, but the polyphenol level decreases. Within the farming community there is long experience. Furthermore, to maximise the polyphenol levels we harvest our olives at the optimum time.

The European Food Safety Agency has now approved health claims for extra virgin olive oils with polyphenol content of more than 250mg / kg. Morocco Gold contains polyphenols well above this level.

The different types of polyphenols in Extra Virgin olive oil (EVOO), include oleuropein, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal and oleacein. Each are extremely strong antioxidants. Both linked to a number of different health benefits, including:

EVOO reduces of risk of cardiovascular diseases

• Cardiovascular diseases are the top cause of death in the industrialised world. A host of studies have documented that arteriosclerosis is closely linked to eating habits and lifestyle.
•     “… The lowest rates of death from coronary heart disease are currently recorded in the countries where olive oil is virtually the only fat consumed.” 
  – Professor Francisco Grande Covian

EVOO has beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis

• Olive oil reduces the risk of the flow or reflux of food and gastric juice up from the stomach to the oesophagus. The gastric content of the stomach is released slowly. Gradually into the duodenum, giving a greater sensation of “fullness”.

EVOO maintains the digestive tract in good health.

• Olive oil produces a small amount of secretion by the pancreas. Therefore the organ “works” little, but efficiently and enough to carry out all its digestive functions. It stimulates the absorption of various nutrients (calcium, Iron, magnesium, etc.).
• Olive oil, therefore, is a fat that is digested and absorbed really well. It has choice properties and a mild laxative effect that helps to combat constipation and bad breath.

EVOO helps to reduce blood pressure

• Certain foods can raise blood pressure besides having an effect on body weight. High blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking, obesity and diabetes, These are the main health problems of the developed world.
• One in every four adults is hypertensive. This increases the risk of early death because of the damage to the body’s arteries, especially the arteries that supply blood to the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes. Addition of olive oil to a diet has a clear lowering effect on blood pressure. Regular consumption of olive oil decreases both systolic (maximum) and diastolic (minimum) blood pressure.

EVOO help control healthy cholesterol levels

• Cholesterol is a fatty substance within foods of animal origin. Diets with large amount of animal fats raise blood cholesterol levels. Consequently, this is one of the chief risk factors of cardiovascular disease.
• Olive oil lowers the levels of total blood cholesterol, LdL-cholesterol and triglycerides. At the same time it does not alter the levels of HbL-cholesterol (and may even raise them), which plays a protective role and prevents the formation of fatty patches and recurrent heart disease.

EVOO eases or prevents diabetes

• An Olive Oil rich diet is not only a good alternative in the treatment of diabetes, it helps prevent or delay the onset of the disease. Furthermore, it does so is by preventing insulin resistance lowering triglycerides. And ensures better blood sugar level control and lower blood pressure.

EVOO lessens the severity of osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone tissue mass that increases the risk of fractures. There are two types. Type I occurs in middle-aged, post-menopausal women and type II in the elderly. The more evoo consumed the more favourable the effects on bone calcification, and bone mineralisation.
• It helps calcium absorption, thereby playing an important part during the period of growth and in the prevention of osteoporosis.

EVOO may help to prevent cancers

• The tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol in Extra Virgin olive oil may decrease the likelihood of cancer cell regeneration by interfering with angiogenesis and lowering the supply of oxygen that would otherwise be available for new blood vessel formation.

It really is the original ‘superfood’ that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so.

Polyphenols In Extra Virgin Olive Oil Still Present After Exposure To Heat

New research confirms the key components in extra virgin olive oil survive temperature. Healthy compounds found in extra virgin olive oil do not disappear when the oil is used for cooking. Discovered by new research published in the scientific journal, Antioxidants. The implication may have an impact on future nutritional guidelines.

The increased focus on healthy food and healthy diet has seen more food lovers turn towards diets like the Mediterranean diet and the Keto diet. Whether this is for specific health reasons, a diet to lower cholesterol, a diet for high blood pressure, a diet for weight loss or for overall wellness one of the key constituents that remains a constant is Extra Virgin olive oil, the original superfood.

Olive oil is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet which is associated with sensible tasty portions and slower, more enjoyable eating. People who eat a Mediterranean diet have been shown to have a remarkable variety of health benefits. The olive oil in the Mediterranean diet can quickly satisfy hunger and lead to fewer total calories ingested at mealtime.

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the few oils that can be eaten without chemical processing. (Nearly every other vegetable oil has been detoxified and refined with steam and solvents). Fresh pressed extra virgin olive oil can be eaten immediately and retains the natural flavours, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other healthy products of the ripe olive fruit.

Most doctors advocate lowering total fat and calories in your diet, and substituting butter, margarine and tropical oils with healthy fats like olive oil.

More and more people who are conscious of healthy food, healthy diet, weight loss and general wellness are turning towards the ketogenic diet, or keto diet for short. The keto diet has now become one of the most popular methods worldwide for weight loss and improved health.

Ketogenic Diet Basics

The keto diet, as a rule, is very low in carbs, high in fat and moderate in protein. When following a ketogenic diet, carbs are typically reduced to under 50 grams per day, though stricter and looser versions of the diet exist.

Though fat is often avoided for its high calorie content, research shows that ketogenic diets are significantly more effective at promoting weight loss than low-fat diets. The keto diet also reduces hunger and increases satiety, which can be particularly helpful when trying to lose weight.

Fat as fuel is ample, slow-burning and long-lasting. However, it must be broken down first and as part of that process the liver creates substances known as ketone bodies that can be converted into energy.

Fat is a nutrient with important functions. Firstly, it’s a rich source of energy, providing more than double that of either carbohydrate or protein. Being a carrier for the fat-soluble vitamins  A, D, E and K it provides the essential fatty acids, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, which are polyunsaturated.

For a well-balanced healthy diet, we need moderate amounts of the right type of fats eaten. However, a high fat intake and in particular, a high intake of saturated fats is associated with raised blood cholesterol and coronary heart disease.

Monounsaturated fats tend to be liquid at room temperature. Extra virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold is one of the richest sources of monounsaturated fatty acids.

What Is In 1 Tablespoon Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

One serving or 1 tablespoon of evoo contains the following:

• 120 calories
• 10 grams of monounsaturated fat
• 2 grams of saturated fat
• 2 grams of polyunsaturated fat
• 1.9 milligrams of vitamin E (10 percent of Daily Value)
• 8.1 micrograms of vitamin K (10 percent of DV)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Cooking

Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cooking is incredibly versatile. It is excellent on its own also as a first class cooking medium and flavouring ingredient. It is becoming more and more popular as a dressing for salads and pasta, for finishing cooked dishes and for dipping with bread and raw vegetables before the meal.

The particular characteristics of Morocco Gold Evoo, with its distinctive green fruitiness, hints of almond and herbs, fresh turf and the peppery aftertaste, gives a vibrant, well balanced finish. This makes Morocco Gold one of the best Extra Virgin olive oils for cooking and salad dressings. Here are just some of the ways Morocco Gold olive oil can be used.

In Salads

A splash of Morocco Gold Extra Virgin olive oil mixed with vinaigrette makes salads super healthy and taste delicious.

Perfect As A Dip

Using Extra Virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold as a dip for crispy, fresh bread is a great way to get the taste buds going.

In Soups

A simple drizzle of this scrumptious oil over your soup can make all the difference. You don’t need much to seek the benefits. It adds a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the hot soup and a special richness.

Excellent For Roasting

Not only does Morocco Gold Extra Virgin olive oil help food to cook it also adds a premium, tasty addition to the dish. High quality extra virgin olive oil also has the unique ability to draw out and accentuate the taste of whatever you are preparing.

Putting Over Hot Food

Remember that heat brings out the flavour of an Extra Virgin olive oil and so it will smell stronger when it is poured over hot food and its specific flavour characteristics will be more pronounced.

Pour Over Ice Cream

A drizzle of Extra Virgin olive oil over your ice cream really helps bring out the flavour in the ice cream and adds to the creamy texture. One to try out for sure! Who’d have thought it!

Remember the health benefits of using Extra Virgin olive oil in cooking and recipes shows are an added bonus.

You can try some of the recipes on our recipes page.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to degrade and produce visible smoke. When cooking with evoo, it’s smoke point is somewhere around 374–405°F (190–207°C). This makes it a good choice for most cooking methods.