Why Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil The Original Superfood?

Why polyphenol rich extra virgin olive oil is a ‘superfood’

^{Updated 6th August 2024}

Why Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil The Original Superfood?

Have you ever wondered why some cultures boast about their longevity and vibrant health? The secret often lies in their diet, and one ingredient stands out as the star of the show. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is not just a kitchen staple; it’s a time-tested superfood that has been cherished for centuries. In this blog post, we will explore why extra virgin olive oil is considered the original superfood, uncovering its numerous health benefits, culinary versatility, and fascinating history.

Extra virgin olive oil has been shown to have some amazing health benefits and can be called a ‘superfood’ because of all the health benefits it has. Here are just a few of the reasons why extra virgin olive oil is a superfood: It can help lower your risk of heart disease, it can help you lose weight, and it’s great for your skin! It’s a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, and it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s also delicious, which is why so many people love to cook with it. Whether you’re looking for a healthier cooking oil or just want to enjoy its flavor, extra virgin olive oil is the perfect choice.

Why Are Superfoods Like Extra Virgin Olive Oil So Important?

What exactly is a superfood?  Where did the word superfood appear?  And why can Morocco Gold – the highest quality extra virgin olive oil – lay claim to being a superfood?  Read on – we have all the answers you need!

Technically speaking, the word ‘superfood’ is a marketing term for food claimed to confer health benefits resulting from an exceptional nutrient density.  Although it is not a scientific term, it has come to be associated with foods which are so loaded with health-enhancing nutrients such as antioxidants (a key component in the best olive oils) which help to fight off diseases including cancer and heart disease.

Where Did The Term ‘Superfood’ Come From?

According to UCDavis, The origin of the term superfood in fact appeared in the early part of the 20th Century as a strategy to market bananas. Developed by The United Fruit Company, the company used the term to promote the practicality of bananas as a daily source of cheap, easily digestible nutrition. In an article published in a 1918 volume of The Scientific Monthly, author Samuel C. Prescott noted “since the edible portion is surrounded by a thick enveloping skin it is effectively protected against the attacks of bacteria, moulds [sic] and other agencies of decomposition. Add it to cereal; have one with lunch; even add it to a salad or fry it up for dinner – the fruit’s many uses made it virtually super.”

Why Is Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil A Superfood?

Not all olive oils are created equal. Extra virgin olive oils like Morocco Gold are the highest quality available, extracted solely through mechanical means without the use of chemicals. This process preserves its natural flavours, aromas, and nutritional content. To be classified as extra virgin, the oil must also meet specific standards for acidity and sensory qualities. This stringent production process ensures that you’re getting the purest form of olive oil.

When it comes to satisfying the definition of a superfood, Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil ticks all the boxes!

Like many other superfoods, extra virgin olive oil is a plant based food which is packed with nutrients. 

First press harvests of olive oil have been celebrated by growers for centuries, and the health benefits of this ‘liquid gold’ have long been recognised. It is however relatively recently that what makes extra virgin olive oils so good for you has really begun to be understood.

Polyphenols In Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil is high in health enhancing polyphenols. In the unique micro-climate where Morocco Gold olive oil comes from, the dry periods cause the olive fruit to produce these polyphenols, to help moisture circulate around the olive tree itself. It is these same polyphenols that aid circulation around our own bodies. This is truly a natural lubricant for a healthy body.

Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, and certain cancers. Extra virgin olive oil contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, such as oleocanthal, which can mimic the effects of ibuprofen. Regular consumption of EVOO can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases and improving overall health.

The brain requires healthy fats to function optimally, and extra virgin olive oil provides just that. Research suggests that the antioxidants and monounsaturated fats in EVOO can protect against cognitive decline and improve memory and cognitive function. The Mediterranean diet, rich in EVOO, has been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Find out more about polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil.

What Is The Best Olive Oil

Importantly, the purest or ‘extra virgin’ olive oils such as Morocco Gold are guaranteed to come from a single olive source which is harvested and cold pressed early in the season when the fruit is young, with no mixing or blending to maintain its fresh milled flavour.

Moroccan Gold olives are grown using only natural, traditional methods. Nothing is added or taken away, so that the result is solely dependent on the soil, the sun, the rain and the time of harvest.

Morocco Gold tastes great, with a green fruitiness, hints of sweet almonds, fresh turf and a hint of herbs. It has the distinctive ‘pepperiness’ of a fine extra virgin olive oil giving Morocco Gold a clean, well balanced finish.

It not only tastes great by itself or dipped with bread, it has the wonderful ability to really draw out the taste of other foods when it is used in low temperature cooking or drizzled over dishes.

Why Is The Provenance Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Important?

In recent years, unusual weather and a proliferation of insects and bacterial blight have devastated the harvest in several of the major European olive oil producers. The well-established, traditional producers of olive oil such as Spain, Italy and Greece have had their outputs dramatically reduced with a corresponding impact on prices to UK consumers.

Choosing extra virgin olive oil can also have positive environmental implications. Olives are typically grown in regions with a Mediterranean climate, where sustainable farming practices are often employed. These practices include minimal pesticide use, water conservation, and soil preservation. Supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly cultivation methods can contribute to a healthier planet.

Morocco Gold sets a new standard for authenticity, provenance, and the guarantee of extra virgin quality through our rigorous testing and traceability regimes. We work with certified growers, Morocco Gold is tested locally by ONSSA, (the National Office for the Sanitary Protection of Food Products in Morocco), then re-tested by our EU certified laboratory to guarantee extra virgin quality.

Our rear label information also sets a new standard for information about the oil itself, lot / batch / bottle numbering to give absolute re-assurance regarding authenticity, traceability, provenance and the guarantee of Extra Virgin Quality. Uniquely, we include the results of our testing on each and every bottle of Morocco Gold, so our customers can see at a glance the guarantee of extra virgin quality.

When you purchase Morocco Gold extra virgin olive oil, you are guaranteed a wonderful tasting, health enhancing culinary experience.

You will also recognise the quality of Morocco Gold when you first open the bottle and the fresh, floral, fruity aroma permeates the kitchen in a wonderful sensory experience.

It is ‘liquid gold’ in every sense and an original superfood.