Nowadays, all the nutritionists are putting a lot of emphasis on the extra virgin olive oil, because it has been considered to be one of the healthiest products in the world. This oil is extracted from the fruit solely by mechanical means.
Fruit must be of high quality and the temperature of the pressing process cannot exceed 40 degrees. This is why this process is known as cold-pressing, because only pressure is used. No solvents or others chemical compound are put into the oil. Therefore, it is pure, natural, extracted directly from the seeds.
The olive was native to Asia Minor and spread from Iran, Syria and Palestine to the rest of the Mediterranean basin 6,000 years ago. Olives have been found in Egyptian tombs from 2,000 years BC and the use of oil is found in many other religions and cultures. The olive culture was spread to the early Greeks then Romans, and Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, advised his followers to apply olive oil to their bodies.

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It has been used during special ceremonies as well as a general health measure. In the past several hundred years the olive has spread to North and South America, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
The quality of olive oil depends on the following characteristics: acidity, oxidation, color, aroma and flavor. Acidity expresses the percentage of the fatty acids in the oil. The degree of acidity is determined by various factors, such as the time the olives are harvested, the length of time they are left in the sacks, the method of pressing used etc. Oxidation depends on the way the oil is stored and if it is not suitable, gives the oil an earthy taste. The aroma and flavor of the oil depend mainly on the area, weather conditions, the variety of tree and the time of harvesting. Finally, the color of the oil which varies from green to gold and brown, depends mainly on the harvesting time, but also on other factors such as the extraction process. Olive oil varieties: virgin olive oil, refined olive oil and pure olive oil.
Olive oil is consisted of compounds which are beneficial to most functions of the human body:
• It contains tyrosol phenolic compounds such as oleuropein and oleocanthal, which are the nature’s most powerful anti-oxidants. Together with vitamin E and carotenoids, they play a vital role fighting against cancer, inflammation, coronary artery disease, degenerative nerve diseases, diabetes…etc.
• It is also a very good source of vitamin K, that has potential role in the increase of bone mass;
• It also has established role in Alzheimer’s disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain;
• one of the healthiest edible oils since it contains less saturated fats, and composes omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids;
USES:
• reduce bad cholesterol level;
• treat sunburn;
• natural vitamin supplement;
• minimize cellulite;
• prevent hair loss;
• lower the blood pressure;
• protects the heart;
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