While olive trees were probably first cultivated some part of the eastern Mediterranean around 5000 B.C., their popularity moved westward through history and their ancestry has been discovered to originate back to Italy 20 million years ago. Think back to Roman times and you'll remember visualizing royalty adorning olive crowns; van Gogh paint and The Olive Trees, it was said to be the compliment to his more famous painting Starry Night; many references in the Bible. The common olive tree contains an array of bendy branches connected near the bottom of the trunk. Its leafy branches bear dainty sprigs of white blooms, and the tasty green fruit thousands desire. It is said that the tree symbolizes peace and prosperity, which explains where the delicious oils from the olives themselves have become a commodity in high demand.
Those of italian decent are commonly associated with their use of olive oil, and the freshest ingredients. While most people won't fry with olive oil, mainly because of the expense, the added drizzle of the tantalizing oil as a final touch will certainly compliment any dish. Quality olive oil is cold-pressed, meaning no artificial heat is used in processing, and if subjected to high-heat cooking you are basically destroying the antioxidants olive oil has. Which also means when stored in a window sill in direct sunlight the color changes and shelf-life decreases. We enjoy showing off our fancy, and somewhat expensive, kitchen ingredients, make certain that your olive oil is in a dark, tinted bottle or store it in a cool, dry place.
Being a monounsaturated fat (a fat that studies show does not raise the LDL, or bad cholesterol) is a big plus for olive oil, and may be why the olive oil industry is now bigger than ever. Americans are more health conscious than ever and are continually looking for methods to stay fit and young. Any doctor will tell you that crash diets and surgeries are not the preferred way to a healthier life. They are extremely dangerous and, they aren't permanent. The only tried and true, fool-proof way to lose that extra weight, lower the cholesterol and get physically fit is with a change in lifestyle of diet and exercise. Not a temporary fix. Not a fad. Not a pill. We are talking about a complete overhaul of eating routines, getting off the couch and being accountable for the things we put into our bodies. Here are some fun facts for you: According to the Center for Disease Control and the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States; an estimated 47% of cardiac emergencies are pronounced dead before emergency service arrives; in 2009, it was estimated that heart disease will roughly cost $304.6 billion in health care, medication and lost productivity. Scared yet?
Olive oil alone isn't going to drop your BMI (body mass index) to under 25, and Its not the saving grace for healthier living, but its the first step toward achieving a better you. Instead of deep fat frying that chicken, try dipping it in egg-whites, then breadcrumbs, and lightly spray with some olive oil before baking it. You get the crispy texture, great taste, and its a wiser choice for you. Instead of saturating your salads with ranch dressing, try using an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. Small changes can really go a long way with your heart, your health and your life.
To discover healthy cooking tips and delicious recipes visit: Heart Healthy Recipes
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