Thanks to our Mediterranean climate, Australia is a great place to grow high quality olives. That also means high quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), which is good news for Vasse Virgin and you – our valuable customer!
You could say EVOO is the reason Vasse Virgin exists today (read Our Story to find out more).
It’s the base ingredient for all our products – from our skincare range to our gourmet foods – which we believe has been fundamental to our success. It’s also why we’re pretty selective about the types of oils we use.
Find out the benefits yourself with our EVOO 101 Master Class!
We Heart EVOO
EVOO (and Australian EVOO specifically) is the best extra virgin olive oil you can get. It’s high in monosaturated (read: good) fats and antioxidants and 100% natural, which is why experts all agree that it’s also the healthiest oil for you.
Here in Australia, we’re even luckier – our EVOO is considered the highest grade, the tastiest AND the most versatile. You only have to look at our range of products as proof! It makes sense to buy Aussie EVOO because it’s the freshest available.
Oil that’s good for you
EVOO is such a versatile ingredient that provides so many health benefits, both topically and as part of a balanced diet.
Olive oil is made from the fruit of the olive tree, which is naturally high in healthy fatty acids. While there are several types of olive oil, research shows that EVOO offers far more benefits than its familiars. Here are just some of the proven health benefits of EVOO:
1. It’s an anti-inflammatory
The phenols present in EVOO have anti-inflammatory properties, which means they can have similar effects to pain-killers and fever reducers. A particular phenol, Oleocanthal, has been proven to also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and kill cancer cells by clearing beta-amyloid plaques from the brain.
2. It boosts hair and skin health
One tablespoon of EVOO has about 1.9 mg of Vitamin E, a fat-soluble anti-oxidant that can protect the body against eye and skin problems and in fact make hair and skin much healthier. Vitamin E has also been shown to protect the body from diabetes, neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s (again) and lung cancer. Vitamin E is also proven to be really beneficial for older people.
3. It can reduce heart problems and diabetes
Natural EVOO contains 70% monounsaturated fatty acid. As a result, it helps to lowers cholesterol accumulation in the blood and reduces heart problems, and can also reduce the risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis.
4. It can improve your digestion
EVOO is known to aid in the digestive process, which is why it is used as a medicinal oil to clean the digestive tract and to improve bowel movements.
5. It helps in the aging process
Rich in antioxidants, EVOO slows the natural aging process of the human body. Used in cosmetic products and natural herbal therapy, it does wonders for the skin, which gets a natural shine and glow from the enriching oil.
6. It protects against Osteoporosis
Research shows EVOO can improve bone mineralisation and calcification. How? It helps with calcium absorption, so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis.
7. It strengthens healthy cell walls
The backbone of any functioning body, strong cells = good health. EVOO contains polyphenol that helps in stronger cell walls, while it also increases the elasticity of arterial walls, protecting against various heart conditions.
8. Fights mood disorders and depression
Mood or cognitive disorders can occur when the brain doesn’t get a enough “happy hormones” like serotonin or dopamine, important chemical messengers that are necessary for mood regulation, getting good sleep and thought-processing. Healthy fats (like EVOO!) have hormone-balancing, anti-inflammatory effects that can prevent neurotransmitter dysfunction.
Fun fact: Cooking with EVOO improves the nutritional benefits of vegetables, by increasing antioxidant-rich phenols! So why not add a little to your kitchen creations today...
Special Mention: we'd like to thank Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Stockland for being sources for this informative article
