Popeye would be proud

Health Benefits of Olive Oil (Covas MI, Nyyssonen K, Pouslen HE, et al., on behalf of the EUROLIVE Study Group. Citation: Ann Intern Med. 2006;145:333-341. )

Conclusions: Olive oil is more than a monounsaturated fat. Its phenolic content can also provide benefits for plasma lipid levels and oxidative damage.

Perspective: The daily dose of 25 ml of olive oil is similar to the dietary amount recommended by the US Department of Agriculture. The modest results help explain some of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and occurred over a short period of time in a group of healthy young persons without cardiovascular risk factors.

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The added benefit of olive oil with a high phenolic content can be achieved by using virgin olive oil. Phenolic contents are lost in processing. Other foods rich in polyphenols that increase the HDL cholesterol include green tea, cocoa, and dark chocolates.

Comment: I might have died and gone to heaven. Olive oil on pasta is a delight. And dark chocolate!

Oh, I thought that Virgin Olive Oil was, like, you know, stomped by virgins. Shows you how little I know.