Olive Oil, Extra Virgin

Olive Oil is derived from the fruit of the olive tree, which has the distinction of being perhaps the earliest botanical ever mentioned. It was an olive branch that the dove delivered to Noah to signal the end of the Great Flood, and the olive branch is a universal symbol of peace. More recent cultures eventually discovered that the olive leaf also possessed curative properties that are still being researched today.

Modern researchers have zeroed in on Olive Oil as the likely reason that the famed “Mediterranean diet” is so healthy. Mediterranean cultures seem to derive most of their fat calories from Olive Oil, while Western cultures derive theirs primarily from animal fats and other forms of saturated fats. Although the Mediterranean diet is higher in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains, you can’t overlook the fact that Olive Oil is the principal source of fat, and a healthy alternative to animal fats and butter.

Olive Oil’s health benefits are attributable to several naturally occurring components. It is high in oleic acid, a monosaturated fatty acid (MUFA) that may stimulate bile production, aiding digestion. It is low in saturated fatty acids, or “bad fat”, and contains a good balance of polyunsturated fatty acids (PUFA), like vitamins, antioxidants, and linoleic acid.

When cooking, Olive Oil has numerous distinct advantages over other cooking oils. It has a higher smoking point than the desired temperature for frying food and forms a crust on the outside of fried foods that decreases oil penetration and enhances flavor. Foods fried in Olive Oil are not as greasy. It can be re-used often without spoiling or losing its taste, increases in volume when reheated, and remains very digestible even if re-used.

NOW® Extra Virgin Olive Oil is obtained from the first cold-pressing of the finest ripe Mediterranean Olives - without the use of solvents or other chemicals. It is 100% pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil with no additives or preservatives.

NOW® Extra Virgin Olive Oil is excellent for salad dressings - especially oil and vinegar type.

Limited and not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about 2 tablespoons (23 grams) of olive oil daily may support cardiovascular health due to the monounsaturated fat in olive oil. To achieve this possible benefit, olive oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.

153-0195 NOW Olive Oil, Extra Virgin 16 oz. Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ) Servings Per Container: 32 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value* Total Calories 120         Calories From Fat 120      Total Fat 13.5  g 21%       Saturated Fat 2  g 10%       Polyunsaturated Fat 1  g      Monounsaturated Fat 10  g   *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Ingredients: 100% pure extra virgin olive oil. Recommended Use: This Olive Oil is excellent for salad dressings-especially oil and vinegar type. It is obtained from the first pressing of the finest ripe Mediterranean Olives, and contains no preservatives, solvents or chemical additives. We pack this fine oil in amber glass to best preserve its freshness. If you notice any errors in the information above, please let us know. If you have further questions about this product, please contact NOW at 1-888-NOW-FOOD