Why There’s Never Been A Better Time To Discover The Best Olive Oil Around
Twelve months is a long time in the world of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the ever-popular Mediterranean Diet. 2021 has been an eventful year for fans of the finest healthy fat on earth. So, as we wind down to the end of the year, here’s a helpful reminder of the top five reasons that extra virgin olive oil hit the headlines in 2021.
1/ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Aids Cognitive Function
In the early part of 2021, we were delighted to read research from The University Of Edinburgh in Scotland – the homeland of the pioneers of Morocco Gold – which supports growing evidence that extra virgin olive oil aids cognitive function. The scientific research, from Edinburgh University, has shown that consuming lower amounts of read meat and following the principles of Mediterranean cuisine correlated with higher scores in memory and thinking tests in the over 70s. Extra virgin olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and nuts.
These latest findings suggest that this primarily plant-based diet may have benefits for cognitive function as we get older. This latest research from Edinburgh University adds further strength to the weight of evidence supporting the benefits of a Mediterranean Style Diet to many aspects of our overall health.
2/ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps To Reduce Covid Symptoms
It’s the health crisis that has dominated the last two years, so when we found evidence that suggests extra virgin olive oil can help reduce some of the symptoms associated with Covid-19, we were delighted to share it with you. It’s all down to the ‘Cytokine Storm’! As reported in the Olive Oil Times , extra virgin olive oil has been shown to reduce levels of cytokine in the body, which in turn can reduce both the symptoms associated with COVID-19 and their severity. Cytokines are small proteins that are crucial in controlling the growth and activity of other immune system cells and blood cells. When released, they signal the immune system to do its job. Cytokines affect the growth of all blood cells and other cells that help the body’s immune and inflammation responses.
3/ The Mediterranean Diet Can Reduce Effects of ‘Lockdown’ Ageing
We have all been affected in some way by the effects of imposed lockdown but some encouraging news in March this year suggested that following the Mediterranean Diet could help to reduce the burden on our health. One of the top health benefits of extra virgin olive oil – a key component in the Mediterranean Diet – is its antioxidants that can improve your health inside and out. The antioxidant hydroxytyrosal helps to improve your skin including preventing aging, according to olive oil expert Paul Vossen. With its Vitamin E properties, extra virgin olive oil protects the skin from harmful damage and can help prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
4/ Morocco Gold’s 2021 Harvest Produced More Polyphenols Than Ever Before
When it comes to producing the best quality extra virgin olive oil for health and flavour, one of the most important factors is the concentration of polyphenols in the finished produce. So, when we revealed in April 2021 that Morocco Gold’s new harvest had more polyphenols than ever before, we were pretty keen to shout about it with pride! Polyphenols are a group of over 500 phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring micronutrients in plants. These compounds give a plant its colour and can help to protect it from various dangers. When you eat plants with polyphenols, you reap the health benefits as well.
We were delighted to reveal that our 2021 harvest was the best specification we have achieved, with a low acidity of 0.2% and a high polyphenol count of 644mg/kg.
5/ Extra Virgin Olive Is Out Of This World (Literally!)
We always knew there was something other-worldly about the best olive oils in the world but, according to an article just released from OliveOilTimes, extra virgin olive oil is set to go in to space in a matter of months!
Next spring, a selection of extra virgin olive oils will be sent to the International Space Station. The oils will be brought to the ISS, located about 400 kilometers above Earth’s surface, by Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, the commander of the mission.
“I would not forget to bring olive oil with me, which also gives flavor to anything, even to the rehydrated salads that we eat up here”,
Samantha Cristoforetti
Supporters of the initiative hope to study how the product holds up in space and promote olive oil culture.
The Italian Space Agency confirmed that the astronauts would consume the extra virgin olive oils with their meals. One of the oils will be used to study the impact of being in space on olive oil quality.
And, what a way to end the year! All that’s left to say is that we are looking forward to what we hope will be an even more special year for lovers of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in 2022.
From all the team at Morocco Gold, we wish you a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
