HEALTH AND MEDICAL BENEFITS
Nature´s essentials for healthy living
Helpful resources including scientific research, evidence, information, uses and references for academia, nutritionists, pharmacists, medical professionals, sports professionals healthcare professionals as well as the general public on the health and medical benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey as well as the Mediterranean diet and cooking.
If you require more specific or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Spanish call it "Liquid gold" for a reason
Leech J, “11 proven Benefits of olive oil”, 14Sep18, Healthline.
The health effects of dietary fat are controversial. However, experts agree that olive oil — especially extra virgin — is good for you. Here are 11 health benefits of olive oil that are supported by scientific research.
Gorzynick-Debicka M, Przychodzen P, Cappello F et al, “Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Plant Polyphenols”, Mar18, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Health – National Institute of Health.
Scientific studies present the ability of polyphenols to modulate the human immune system by affecting the proliferation of white blood cells, and also the production of cytokines or other factors that participate in the immunological defense. The aim of the review is to focus on polyphenols of olive oil in context of their biological activities.
Nocella C, Cammisotto V, Fianchini L et al, “Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Diseases: Benefits for Human Health”, Aug15, The Journal of Nutrition, 145(8); 1692-1697, US National Library of Health – National Institute of Health.
Background: Olive oil polyphenols have shown protective effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Their consumption decreased oxidative stress biomarkers and improved some features of the lipid profile. However, their effects on LDL concentrations in plasma and LDL atherogenicity have not yet been elucidated. Conclusion: The consumption of olive oil polyphenols decreased plasma LDL concentrations and LDL atherogenicity in healthy young men.
Foscolou A, Critselis E, Panagiotakos D, “Olive oil consumption and human health: A narrative review”, Dec18, Maturitas, 118:60-66, US National Library of Health – National Institute of Health.
The potential health benefits of olive oil consumption, particularly within the context of the Mediterranean diet, have been extensively investigated. In conclusion, the aggregated evidence supports the assertion that olive oil consumption is beneficial for human health, and particularly for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Nordqvist C, “What are the health benefits of olive oil?”, 11Dec17, Medical News Today.
Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, is a major component of the Mediterranean diet. Populations from that region have longer life expectancies and lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, compared with North Americans and Northern Europeans. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are considered a healthy dietary fat, as opposed to saturated fats and trans fats.
Ediriweera E, Premarathna N, “Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review”, Apr-Jun12, AYU (Int. Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda), US National Library of Health – US National Institute of Health.
Fresh bee’s honey is used in treatment of eye diseases, throat infections, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, hiccups, thirst, dizziness, fatigue, hepatitis, worm infestation, constipation, piles, eczema, healing of wounds, ulcers and used as a nutritious, easily digestible food for weak people. Highly popular in cosmetic treatment, bee’s honey is used in preparing facial washes, skin moisturizers, hair conditioners and in treatment of pimples. Bee’s honey could be considered as one of the finest products of nature that has a wide range of beneficial uses.
“Special report: olive oil health benefits”, Olive Oil Times
The health benefits of olive oil are unrivaled, and research reveals more benefits nearly every day. In fact, we are only just beginning to understand the countless ways olive oil can improve our health, and our lives. Olive oil is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet — an essential nutritional mainstay for the world’s longest-living cultures.
Waterman E, Lockwood B, “Active components and clinical applications of olive oil”, Dec07, Alternative Medicine Review, 12(4): 331-42, US National Library of Health – National Institute of Health.
Olive oil aconstitutes a major component of the Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health and medical benefits. The chief active components of olive oil include oleic acid, phenolic constituents, and squalene. The main phenolics include hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein, which occur in highest levels in extra virgin olive oil and have demonstrated antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are believed to be responsible for a number of olive oil’s biological activities. These active components have been identified having anticancer benefits such as colon and breast cancer prevention, ability to reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol thereby reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) and antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains implicated in intestinal and respiratory infections.
Boskou D, editor, “Olive and Olive Oil Bioactive Constituents”, Illinois USA, AOCS Press, 2015.
Olive oil has a health nimbus as a basic ingredient of the Mediterranean diet. Studies on the favorable effects of biophenols and other olive and olive oil bioactive ingredients on markers of chronic inflammation, platelet aggregation in the blood, oxidized LDL, cholesterol, joint health, skin conditions and neurodegenerative disorders are continuously opening new paths for medical and pharmaceutical research. In addition, the olive oil market is becoming increasingly international because the positive role of extra virgin olive oil in the diet has become a topic of universal concern. New features of product optimization and development are emerging due to a better understanding of the chemistry of olives and olive oil minor constituents
We have a very extensive library of scientific, medical and health information from world class and reputable sources available.
If you require more specific or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Natural Raw Honey
One of the most valued natural products since ancient times
Goldman R. & Clark C., “8 Raw Honey Benefits for Health”, 13Dec18, Healthline.
Raw honey has been used as a folk remedy throughout history and has a variety of health benefits and medical uses. It’s even used in some hospitals as a treatment for wounds. Many of these health benefits are specific to raw, or unpasteurized, honey.
Link R, “Is Honey Good for You, or Bad?”, 22Jan19, Healthline
Honey is often marketed as a healthy alternative to regular sugar. This is largely due to the numerous health benefits associated with it and its antioxidant content.
Johnson-Greene C, “6 Benefits of Honey”, 3Jun19, University Health News (UHN).
It adds a sweet touch to your favorite foods, but the benefits of honey extend way beyond taste.
Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F, “Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research”, Apr-Jun17, Pharmacognosy Research, US National Library of Health – US National Institute of Health.
Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to humankind since ancient times. Honey is used not only as a nutritional product but as an alternative treatment for clinical conditions ranging from wound healing to cancer treatment.
Ediriweera E, Premarathna N, “Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review”, Apr-Jun12, AYU (Int. Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda), US National Library of Health – US National Institute of Health.
Fresh bee’s honey is used in treatment of eye diseases, throat infections, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, hiccups, thirst, dizziness, fatigue, hepatitis, worm infestation, constipation, piles, eczema, healing of wounds, ulcers and used as a nutritious, easily digestible food for weak people. Highly popular in cosmetic treatment, bee’s honey is used in preparing facial washes, skin moisturizers, hair conditioners and in treatment of pimples. Bee’s honey could be considered as one of the finest products of nature that has a wide range of beneficial uses.
We have a very extensive library of scientific, medical and health information from world class and reputable sources available.
If you require more specific or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Mediterranean style cooking
Good food, good health, good people, good times
Collection of Spanish recipes and cooking ideas.
VIDEOS : Spanish gastronomy, recipes, tapas, cooking courses, etc.
See also BBC GoodFood Mediterranean food recipes.
Excellent overview of the Mediterranean diet, recipes, cooking methods, and lifestyle.
Discover the typical exquisite dishes from each region, the famous “tapas”, some of the best wines in the world and many more aspects of the Spanish gastronomy.
Here´s a collection of the top 30 Spanish recipes to make at home.
Other resources
Other useful information
An overview of the Mediterranean cuisine (Wikipedia).
Download this classic book: “A book of Mediterranean Food” by Elizabeth David in 1950
The types or grades of oil extracted from the olive fruit are classified into different categories. The highest quality grade is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It has the highest content of natural antioxidants and polyphenols, which provide the majority of the health and medical benefits, as well as being trans-unsaturated fatty acids free.
We have a very extensive library of scientific, medical and health information from world class and reputable sources available.
If you require more specific or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.