For thousands of years the people of the Mediterranean have reaped the health benefits of olive oil.  It is a legendary super-food; it protects the heart, thins the blood, raises good cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and can increase immunity against cancer.

HISTORY

The Olive tree is believed to have originated in the Middle East when its fruits were used in prehistoric times.  In Greece, the first export of oil began from Crete to the Greek mainland, North Africa and Asia Minor; the Cretans probably exported the first cuttings to these regions too.   Historically its applications were vast; used to fuel lamps, infused with herbs its uses became medicinal, it was applied to skin and hair as a moisturiser, a base for ointments, cosmetics, perfumes and it was fundamental in cooking.  In fact, it was so important that it became a form of currency – a staple trading commodity.  Specially constructed ships were built to transport both oil and olives throughout the Mediterranean.  The ancient Greeks would judge a civilisation on it’s competence in olive cultivation.   Today, there are an estimated 120,000,000 olive trees with 350,000 Greek families involved in olive farming.  Greece produces 2,400,000 tons of oil and is ranked third highest producer behind Spain and Italy.

HEALTH

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids – these fats are the good guys, they lower bad cholesterol in the blood while preserving the good cholesterol, basically helping to keep the balance.  Studies indicate that these fatty acids also play an important role in the smooth functioning of the brain, particularly areas connected with memory, helping to inhibit memory loss.  Other properties in olive oil take care of blood sugar levels and prevent the bloods tendency to clot in turn helping to maintain healthy arteries.  By combating the dangerous build-up of toxic cholesterol that clogs arteries, olive oil is a proven aid against heart disease.  It is jam-packed with the antioxidant vitamin E.  Anti oxidants neutralise harmful free radicals which travel around the body bringing about premature ageing and research continues to investigate the complex cancer-fighting components of olive oil.

FACTS...

The olive tree is one of the plants most cited in literature, it is also frequently mentioned in the Bible and the Koran.  In homers Odyssey he refers to it as ‘liquid gold’.

Raw olives are not edible straight from the tree; first they must be pickled in brine or packed in dry salt for 6 – 12 months were they undergo a process of lactic fermentation.

Olives are harvested at the green stage or left on the tree to ripen until they change to a rich purple (black olives)

The best olive oil is extra virgin; effectively it is the oil taken from the first pressing of olives and has an acidity of less than 1%.  Just one tablespoon of this cancels the cholesterol raising effect of eating two eggs.

It is estimated the average Greek adult consumes five gallons of olive oil over a year and the British are catching on because in 2006 retail sales of olive oil in the UK overtook the sale of all other oil types for the first time in history.

Long ago, olive oil would be ceremoniously dripped onto the bones of dead saints and martyrs through holes in the tombs.

...AND FICTION

Myth tells of a competition between Poseidon God of the Sea and Athena Goddess of Wisdom; whoever presented the most useful gift to the citizens of Athens (then unnamed) would win the city.  Poseidon dramatically struck a cliff with his trident producing a magnificent spring but when the people tasted the water it was too salty too drink.  Athena bestowed an olive tree which gave wood, oil and food to the people.   She was declared the winner and named her city Athens

FIVE USES OTHER THAN EATING

1. Organic furniture polish - made from mixing 2 parts olive oil and 1 part lemon.
2. Homemade hair conditioner – massage into the hair and scalp, leave for 10 minutes. Wash out by applying a small amount of neat shampoo to the hair first, rub in well and then rinse with warm water.
3. Natural head lice control – a traditional Greek remedy; simply apply to the head and scalp, leave for 30 minutes, comb through thoroughly and rinse as above.
4. Olive oil gently warmed makes a natural manicure soak. 
5. A couple of spoonfuls mixed into cat food are reputed to help with fur balls!