Olive oil is an essential component of the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to heart health and longevity. Olive oil lowers cholesterol, apparently due to compounds other than the monounsaturated fats. Olive oil is rich in polyphenols that work as antioxidants to protect the cells in your body -- it's also possible that those polyphenols may help prevent some forms of cancer
*Use olive oil dressing on your favorite salad.
*Dip pieces of 100-percent whole grain bread in a dish of olive oil that has been dusted with pepper and oregano.
*Sprinkle green vegetables with olive oil instead of margarine or butter.
*Make pesto and serve with your favorite pasta.
*Prepare your own cranberry vinaigrette for salads.
*Add flavor to olive oil by infusing the oil with sprigs of rosemary or other dried herbs.
Keep in mind that while olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, it's still high in calories. Watch your serving size -- one serving is two tablespoons, and that's all you need per day.
*Use olive oil dressing on your favorite salad.
*Dip pieces of 100-percent whole grain bread in a dish of olive oil that has been dusted with pepper and oregano.
*Sprinkle green vegetables with olive oil instead of margarine or butter.
*Make pesto and serve with your favorite pasta.
*Prepare your own cranberry vinaigrette for salads.
*Add flavor to olive oil by infusing the oil with sprigs of rosemary or other dried herbs.
Keep in mind that while olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, it's still high in calories. Watch your serving size -- one serving is two tablespoons, and that's all you need per day.
