About
Olive oil has been produced and used in the Mediterranean for over 8,000 years. It was fundamental to ancient Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern civilizations — used for cooking, lighting, cosmetics, religious ritual, and as currency. The olive tree itself was sacred to the Greeks (Athens is named after Athena, goddess of the olive) and its branches symbolize peace.
Extra virgin olive oil — cold-pressed from fresh olives — contains high levels of oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen, and oleic acid, associated with reduced cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet, centered on olive oil, is the most evidence-backed dietary pattern for longevity.
# Top 10 Olive Oil facts
- 1Olive trees can live for thousands of years — some trees in the Garden of Gethsemane may date from the time of Christ
- 2The word 'Olympics' comes from Olympia, where winners received olive wreaths rather than gold medals
- 3Extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, which has the same anti-inflammatory mechanism as ibuprofen
Fascinating Facts
- ◆Olive trees can live for thousands of years — some trees in the Garden of Gethsemane may date from the time of Christ
- ◆The word 'Olympics' comes from Olympia, where winners received olive wreaths rather than gold medals
- ◆Extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, which has the same anti-inflammatory mechanism as ibuprofen
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