What benefits does olive oil bring us?

Olive oil is one of the pillars of the Mediterranean diet, recognized worldwide for its healthy properties and exquisite flavor.

It is an essential part of Spanish cuisine and we are not surprised, since in addition to its unique flavor, olive oil has countless health benefits, so we are going to list the main advantages of consuming it daily.

But before listing the benefits, we want to highlight the oil from our area, olive oil from Aragon, which stands out as a culinary jewel and whose quality has earned it a Designation of Origin.

What is its origin?

Now that we've got into the subject, let's go back to the origins of Aragonese olive oil.

Aragon, located in the northeast of Spain, is a region with a great olive-growing tradition. Its olive groves, many of which are centuries old, extend across unique landscapes that range from Bajo Aragón to the hills of Somontano and Campo de Borja.

The combination of limestone soils, a Mediterranean-continental climate and the efforts of generations of farmers results in an extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) of exceptional quality.

Among the most representative olive varieties of Aragon are Empeltre, Arbequina and Picual, each providing unique characteristics. Aragonese olive oils have a balanced flavour, with fruity, almond and slightly spicy nuances, which make them an ideal choice both for cooking and for enjoying raw, although if you have never tried an oil of this type, it will surely seem quite bitter the first time.

Olive empeltre

How much should be consumed for it to be beneficial?

The ideal amount of olive oil to consume can vary depending on the diet and individual needs, but in general, nutrition experts recommend: between 20 and 30 grams per day, which is approximately equivalent to 2-3 tablespoons.

This amount is enough to take advantage of its benefits without exceeding the recommended daily calories.

This consumption can be distributed in salads, toast, cooking food or even raw as a dressing. It is important to remember that olive oil is a caloric food, so it should be consumed in moderation within a balanced diet.

Benefits of olive oil

Olive oil is not only delicious, but also an inexhaustible source of health benefits.

These oils, especially extra virgin oils, are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols. Some of its main benefits are:

  1. Cardiovascular Health: Monounsaturated fatty acids help reduce LDL cholesterol levels (the "bad" one) and increase HDL cholesterol (the "good" one), helping to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.
  2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The polyphenols present in EVOO have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis.
  3. Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin E and other antioxidant compounds protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, delaying cellular aging and reducing the risk of degenerative diseases.
  4. Digestive Health: Consuming olive oil promotes the proper functioning of the digestive system, helping to prevent problems such as constipation and promoting better absorption of nutrients.
  5. Weight Control: Although it is a high-calorie food, olive oil can be an ally in weight control thanks to its ability to promote satiety and regulate metabolism.

DOP oil from Lower Aragon

The olive oil with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from Bajo Aragón is one of the great prides of this region. Produced in an area that covers more than 70 municipalities, this oil is mainly made with the Empeltre variety, although it also includes Arbequina and Royal. What makes this oil unique is its smoothness and balance, with a fruity flavour that presents sweet and almond notes, typical characteristics of the oils of this designation.

The production process under the standards of the PDO ensures exceptional quality, since every detail is taken care of from the manual harvesting of the olives to the cold extraction. This oil is ideal for enhancing raw dishes and as a base in Mediterranean cuisine.

olive oil

What have we learned?

Extra virgin olive oil is a very beneficial food for a healthy diet, a source of healthy fats that provide a multitude of benefits to our health.

If you are looking to incorporate a product of exceptional quality into your diet, full of flavour and benefits, do not hesitate to try extra virgin olive oil. And if you have the opportunity, explore Empeltre olive oil and the DOP of Bajo Aragón, true gastronomic treasures that reflect the best of the Aragonese olive-growing tradition.

Are you going to start consuming it daily to discover the results?