It is a common desire that most of us are searching for ways to improve our health and the quality of our lives. As there are an ever-increasing number of resistant strains of bacteria and viruses, people are looking for natural ways to improve their immunity and general health.

The first olive trees were grown in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Fossilized olive leaves aged 50-60,000 years old were found on the Aegean Islands, Greece. 8,000 years ago, the early Egyptians discovered how versatile and valuable the olive tree was. As well as being used for light and warmth, the medicinal purposes of olive oil included treatment of wounds, infections, fever and pain. All parts of the olive tree were used – olives, oil, the leaves and the wood. During the 17th century in Greece, olive oil continued to be thought of as “a great gift that cured everything in life” (“olio d’oliva cura tutti i mali”).

In the Christian religion, olive oil had great importance in that it is one of the three blessed products. In 335 A.D. Eusevius wrote:

“To mankind who is civilized and honoured by the great god, excellent food, bread, wine and olive oil, was given. The bread supports and strengthens the heart, the wine lightens the spirit and the oil relaxes the body in that it cures and alleviates demanding hardships.”

Today, scientists have researched and proven the health benefits of the olive, its oil and the leaves. Some of the major health benefits include:

• Reduces high blood pressure by relaxing the arterial walls.
• Reduces cholesterol by reducing bad low density Lipo proteins (LDL’s) and increasing the good high density Lipo proteins (HDL’s)
• Reduces the incidence of heart disease. (the island of Crete has the lowest rate of coronary heart disease in the world)
• Increased immune function and the ability to fight viruses, bacteria and parasitic agents.
• Increases the body’s ability to fight the common cold, sore throats, coughs, sinus infections and many types of influenza.
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels by stimulating production of insulin to assist in managing diabetes.
• Effectively treats numerous skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin.
• Effectively treats fungal and yeast infections.
• Balances gastric acid secretions and contributes to digestion.
• The phenolic compounds in olive oil act as potent scavengers in the body for toxins and free radicals which have been linked to cancer. This explains the lower incidence of Coronary Heart Disease and cancer associated with the Mediterranean diet.
• Dramatic increase in energy levels and a greater sense of well-being. Used to treat fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome and lupus.
• Antioxidants, phenols and vitamin E and K help delay the aging process.

The use of olive oil is a main part of the Mediterranean Diet which includes eating large quantities of cereals, legumes, vegetables and fruit, a moderate consumption of milk and dairy products, fish and poultry and a small amount of red meat. The health benefits of using olive oil within the Mediterranean diet can be maximized along with exercise and low to moderate stress levels.