At Aceite de Jaén Online, you will not only find the best Extra Virgin Olive Oils, but you can also learn how to make the most of liquid gold to strengthen your immune system.
With EVOO, especially Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, you help your immune system thanks to its high content of natural antioxidants that reinforce our defenses against bacteria and viruses.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants help balance, prevent, and regenerate tissues and cells in our body against damage caused by free radicals.
But what are free radicals?
They are substances produced by cellular metabolism, often increased by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco and alcohol consumption, stress, poor sleep habits, or inhalation of polluted air. All these unhealthy habits cause cellular aging, weakened defenses, and increased susceptibility to diseases, including chronic ones.
Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet to reinforce the immune system, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil should be part of it. Why? To combat cellular oxidation and immune system alterations caused by free radicals, it is advisable to consume foods rich in natural antioxidants, as they neutralize free radical activity. EVOO is an excellent choice because it is rich in antioxidants, and the higher the quality, the more antioxidants, such as polyphenols.
What does EVOO provide to our body?
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), since 2011 there has been an approved health claim: "Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative damage" if the EVOO contains at least 5mg of hydroxytyrosol per 20g of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
European Union Regulation 432/2012 states:
"A daily intake of 20g of olive oil with at least 5mg of hydroxytyrosol derivatives guarantees the beneficial effects that contribute to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle."
Ideally, you should consume two tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil per day. To maximize its effects, EVOO should be consumed raw. Therefore, some oils are specifically crafted for raw consumption to make the most of their benefits.
Common polyphenols in EVOO include oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. These compounds give the oil its characteristic bitter and pungent flavor of high-quality or Premium EVOO. Additionally, Oleocanthal is an olive oil antioxidant that provides a pungent throat sensation and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
"Oleuropein has shown potential antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of upper respiratory infections." - Ahmad Alkhatib, Researcher, Teesside University Public Health Center.
Furthermore, Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains various antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system against viruses and bacteria, and is a source of vitamins such as A, D, E, and K and beneficial fatty acids, even helping prevent diseases like colorectal cancer, as shown by a study from the University of Jaén.
EVOO and COVID-19
Consumption of EVOO could block COVID-19 entry into cells if the viral load is not too high, according to research from the Universities of Naples and Perugia.
In fact, the University Hospital of Jaén has developed a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a drug whose active ingredient is olive polyphenols to mitigate severe clinical effects caused by COVID-19.
The Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils available at aceitedejaen.es are undoubtedly perfect allies to maintain a virus-resistant immune system while enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Plus, they are a delight for the palate!
