Five Healthy Uses of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is so much more than just a great tasting cooking aid; this incredible staple is major in the culinary world, known for its variety of uses in the kitchen. The health benefits of the daily consumption of extra virgin olive oil are numerous. Simple changes to your dietary intake can pack powerful health boosting benefits to your daily routine.

The benefits of using extra virgin olive oil are many; this is a preventative culinary oil as well as a medicinal one. It is shown through many studies to fight diseases such as cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and many other ailments. It is known to be an ideal skin protectant, hair conditioner and above all a very powerful antioxidant.  It comes highly recommended by health professionals and nutritionists as one of the few oils known to be a “healthy fat”.   Extra virgin olive oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory nutrient within the human body. It is one of the few culinary oils known to have so many health benefits outside of its role in the kitchen. The benefits and uses of this culinary oil are countless and finding ways to implement more of this powerful culinary oil into your diet are just as many. Here are some great ideas to use extra virgin olive oil as the healthier alternative;

1.      As a salad dressing

a.       A mixture of fresh herbs for seasoning, balsamic vinegar to taste and a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This is the healthier alternative to a heavy salad dressing packed with unnecessary calories and fat.

b.      A few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil mixed with the juice of fresh squeezed lemons, thinly sliced cloves of fresh garlic and fresh ground pepper.

2.      As a drizzle over sautéed  vegetables

3.      As a healthy alternative to butter

a.       Try on Garlic breads and toasts instead of butter

4.      As a skin protectant

a.       Extra virgin olive oil is an excellent skin protectant; it can be used as a topical solution to hydrate dry and inflamed or damaged skin; it can also be used as natural oil for everyday use.

5.      As a medicinal /nutrient

a.       anti-inflammatory nutrients

b.      Anti-cancer benefits

c.       Cardiovascular benefits

d.      Bone health

While there are still many more healthful benefits that come along with the use of extra virgin olive oil the few mentioned above are excellent reasons to implement this wonder oil into your daily regimen. The benefits far outweigh any possible risk. Simple changes such as using this oil as the new alternative to a fatty salad dressing that tastes great and cuts the unnecessary calories or using it as oil that is loaded with vitamins and nutrients that will nourish your skin will have positive health benefits for you. These are changes that are non-evasive and can easily become a part of your daily routine with little to no effort.

The wonderful components in this culinary oil share a nutritional value like no other culinary oil and the studies are continuous. Researchers worldwide are actively conducting studies for more information regarding its health benefits and its affects in focused groups, ailments and other possible uses.

So take the step today to a healthier you by using extra virgin olive oil as a major staple in your kitchen and your home. Share the benefits of this wonder culinary oil with family and friends, give them the option to use a healthier alternative in cooking and home use by using extra virgin olive oil too.

Urban Olive Oils & Balsamics is located in Phoenix, AZ and ships throughout the United States and Canada. We carry high quality, certified extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Check us out a www.urbanoliveoils.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/urbanoliveoils

Top 5 Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar

The simplest way to live a healthier lifestyle is to add healthy foods to your diet. When you begin to focus on healthier foods, the first thing you will notice is you FEEL healthier. The old adage, you are what you eat, is truly sound advice. One of the healthiest foods you can use in your quest for good health is balsamic vinegar. The health benefits of balsamic vinegar are extensive and well known among the natural health community. It has been used for centuries in various parts of the world, both as a flavoring and for its nutritive value.

1. Weight loss – Balsamic vinegar is well known for its ability to suppress the appetite. Because of its ability to improve the body’s metabolism, it can also increase energy levels and allow the body to burn fat easily and efficiently. Including balsamic vinegar in the diet, increases a dish’s overall nutrient content. Including it at the beginning of a meal will help you to feel full much quicker, reducing the amount of food consumed.

2. Antioxidants – One of the main health benefits of balsamic vinegar is the abundance of antioxidants to be found in this liquid powerhouse. Trebbiano grapes, the fruit balsamic vinegar is made for, is responsible for the high antioxidant content. The nutrient value in balsamic vinegar boosts the immune system and helps to prevent chronic illnesses. Antioxidants are also thought to aid in the prevention of cancer and other illnesses.

3. Digestive System – Balsamic vinegar is widely known for its enzymes that improve digestion and helps the body assimilate nutrients more efficiently. As digestion gradually becomes more efficient, the body’s energy levels increase and their metabolism begins to speed up. Balsamic vinegar can be mixed with olive oil as a refreshing salad dressing or seasoning.

4. Trace mineral content – Another health benefit of balsamic vinegar is its abundant number of trace minerals. The wealth of minerals contained in balsamic vinegar can help reduce the risk of anemia and other illnesses associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Trace minerals such as manganese, selenium and magnesium can be found in balsamic vinegar. While the amounts of each mineral may be small, they still provide the body with much needed nutrition they may not get with other foods.

5. Anti-bacterial/antiviral – Balsamic vinegar is also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Adding it to foods passes on those properties increasing the body’s resistance to infection and various viruses and bacteria. Including it in meals during the cold and flu season can substantially reduce the risk of contracting the pesky illnesses.

Aside from the health benefits of balsamic vinegar, adding it to foods provides taste as well as nutrition. A common combination is mixing balsamic vinegar with extra virgin olive oil. Not only does this unique combination added massive amounts of nutrients, it adds the unique flavor of Mediterranean cuisine. Olive oil has been used for centuries and is well known for its omega 3 fatty acids and their healthy affect on the body. Combining the two health staples adds up to a healthy mix that can be used for baking, braising, for vegetables or for salads.

For a nice selection of gourmet balsamic vinegar please www.urbanoliveoils.com. Guaranteed the BEST balsamic vinegar you’ll try or your money back. Who does that? Urban Olive Oils & Balsmaics does.