Varieties

Olive oil is extracted by pressing or crushing olives generally and comes in different varieties, depending on the amount of processing involved.

• Extra virgin : considered the best, least processed, comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives

• Virgin / Select : comes from first pressings that meet defined standards

• Pure / Edible: a mixture of refined and virgin or extra virgin, undergoes some processing such as filtering and refining.

• Extra light : undergoes considerable processing and only retains a very mild olive flavour

Health Benefits

Olive oil is a natural juice which preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and properties of the olive fruit. It has to be one of the most popular oils around. Studies show that it has great benefits to human health as follows:

• Its high content of monounsaturated fat offers protection against cardiovascular diseases by controlling bad cholesterol levels while raising good cholesterol levels.

• Its high percentage of vitamin E, phenols and other antioxidants assist in delaying the aging process, phenols and other antioxidizing substances.

• It is very well tolerated by the stomach because its protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis.

• It activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones, thus lowering the incidence of gallstone formation.

• It offers benefits in prevention of other health risks such as arterial sclerosis, diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.