: Olive-Oil:

Scientific Name:
Olea europea (Family: Oleaceae)

Form:
Organic virgin olive oil, cold-pressed

Traditional Uses:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Blood Sugar Balance
• Blood Thinning
• Bone and Joint health
• Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) supplement
• Lowers LDL Cholesterol
• Vascular health
• Wrinkles

Overview:
The cultivatar: Olea europea is widespread in Eurasia and is one of about 20 species of the genus Olea. Fresh, ripe olives contain about 20% oil.

Olive oil is noted for promoting cardiovascular health in the Mediterranean diet. Rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, olive oil is resistant to the formation of trans fatty acids and free radicals that cause inflammation and cellular injury. Olive oil lowers high blood pressure.

A Stanford Medical School study of seventy-six middle-aged men found that taking the equivalent of three tablespoons of olive oil daily lowered systolic pressure about nine points and diastolic pressure about six points. A study done at the University of Kentucky found that a mere two-thirds of a tablespoon of olive oil daily could do almost as well.

Because eating oxidized fat triggers the release of insulin and the buildup of glucose in the blood, it is recommended that people used olive oil as the main dietary oil (or other oils rich in monosaturated fats like avocado, almonds and other nuts).

Consuming oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids, like corn, sunflower and safflower oils, can cause the blood to be infused with free radical peroxides.

If the body doesn't have enough antioxidants to mop them up, the radicals shut down an enzyme that metabolizes sugar and then glucose levels build up in the blood and this stimulates insulin secretion. High blood sugar and blood insulin damages the vascular system. In a clinical trial with humans, olive oil prevented these effects, whereas sunflower oil, rich in linoleic acid, did not.

Olive oil, by coating the stomach, can also be used as an antidote for ammonia poisoning.

Active Ingredients:
Olive oil contains (per 100g): Vitamin E (ATE), 12.4mg; Tocopherol
(alpha), 11.9mg; Lipids: Fatty acids, total saturated, 13.5g;
16:0=11.0g; 18:0=2.2g; Fatty acids, total monounsaturated 73.7g;
16:1=0.8g; oleic acid or 18:1=72.5g; 20:1=0.3g; Fatty acids, total
polyunsaturated=8.4g; linoleic acid or 18:2=7.9g; linolenic acid or
18:3=0.6g; Phytosterols 221mg/100g.
(National Agriculture Library's USDA Nutrient Database for Standard
Reference at http://www.nal.usda.gov).

Suggested Amount:
Olive oil: Take a half to three tablespoons of olive oil per day or as
needed based on nutrient requirements. Olive oil, rich in omega-9 fatty
acids but lacking in the important omega-3 EFAs, should be taken as part
of a balanced diet.

Drug Interactions:
Olive oil can effectively coat the stomach and therefore may reduce the
absorption of other medications. Thus, olive oil should be taken
separately from other supplements and/or medications.

Contraindications:
None known

Side Effects:
Olive oil, taken as a part of a well balanced diet, does not cause any
side effects. Because olive oil is rich in omega-9 fatty acids but
contains almost no omega-3 EFAs, it should be taken as part of a
balanced diet.

References:
Duke, J. 1997: The Green Pharmacy, The Ultimate Compendium of Natural
Remedies from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing and Herbs. pp.
32-33; 274; 557. Rodale Press.
Carper J. 1995. Stop Aging Now. (Chapter entitled: Beware the Fat That
Makes You Old; plus other information on olive oil). Harper Collins
Publishing, Inc., New York, NY, p. 207-218; 284; 312.
Carper, J. 1993. Food Your Miracle Medicine. HarperCollinsPublishers, 10
East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022-5299. Pp. 1-528.
Erasmus, U. 1993: Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill. Published by Alive
Books, Burnaby, B.C., Canada. pp. 1-456.
Madigan C, Ryan M, Owens D, Collins P, Tomkin GH. 2000. Dietary
unsaturated fatty acids in type 2 diabetes: higher levels of
postprandial lipoprotein on a linoleic acid-rich sunflower oil diet
compared with an oleic acid-rich olive oil diet. Diabetes Care. 2000
Oct; 23(10): 1472-7.

Olive flower essence