Free The Passionate Olive by Carol Firenze

of published data available. Do an advanced search on the Internet to find hundreds, if not thousands, of sites, each able to give you some valuable tips. But it’s important to ensure a site is sponsored and maintained by a reliable source. I find that a good starting point for information comes from the California Olive Oil Council ( www.cooc.com ).
    On the Inside … Internal
27) HELP RAISE HDL (GOOD CHOLESTEROL) AND LOWER THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE
    Here’s an interesting fact: The rate of heart disease is lower in countries where olive oil is consumed daily. Extra virgin olive oil is recognized as being able to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It contains between 60 and 80 percent monounsaturated fats (oleic acid), which helps to reduce the bad cholesterol (L DL ) and preserve the good cholesterol (H DL ). Raising H DL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is recommended to protect against cardiovascular disease. H DL helps remove the cholesterol that clogs arteries by taking it to the liver for elimination.
    To lower your cholesterol, at least 15 percent of yourdaily calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. Whenever possible, use olive oil in place of butter or other vegetable oils in cooking and/or in the preparation of salad dressings and as a dressing for any cooked vegetables.
    Dressing a Salad
    Extra virgin olive oil
    Balsamic vinegar
    Garlic salt or sea salt
    Pepper
HOW TO PREPARE
     
Drizzle your best extra virgin olive oil over salad greens and toss (always drizzle the olive oil first and use only enough olive oil to coat each leaf)
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar
Season lightly with garlic salt or sea salt and pepper to taste
An alternative to garlic salt is to slice a garlic clove and toss in the salad (remove the piece of clove—you want just the taste)
NOTE: You will notice that I did not state the proportions of olive oil to vinegar; when drizzling your best extra virgin olive oil on a salad, just make sure the oil has lightly coated the leaves and then splash balsamic vinegar and add salt and pepper to taste .
28) USE AS AN ANTIOXIDANT
    Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols. There are as many as 5 milligrams of antioxidantpolyphenols in every 10 grams of olive oil. Polyphenols have been shown to reduce coronary artery disease and may be the substance involved in actually lowering a person’s blood pressure. Additionally, antioxidants will reduce nitric acid levels, a substance in the body known to raise blood pressure.
    Olive oil contains 1.6 milligrams, or 2.3 IU (International Units), of vitamin E (a natural antioxidant) per tablespoon. One tablespoon provides 8 percent of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for vitamin E, the vitamin that combats the free radicals that damage body cells and tissues and contribute to aging. Olive oil may be one of the finest substances one can use for delaying the aging process. I feel that it is the best nutritional gift we can give ourselves.
29) CALM THE STOMACH AND HELP THE DIGESTIVE TRACT
    Unfortunately, today many people suffer from stomach and digestive problems. The use of olive oil has proven to be a beneficial factor in aiding the functioning of the digestive system, and it is believed to have a soothing effect on the stomach. Its other healthful benefits include the reduction of stomach acid, which can be a cause of stomach ulcers.
Calm the Stomach
Upon rising and before eating anything: Take 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to stimulate digestion
    The same remedy can be used to prevent flatulence and heartburn. As you read on, you will see that I refer to this “1 tablespoon upon rising” throughout the book. Just know that taking only 1 tablespoon is necessary to enjoy the benefits I outline; no need to take more, unless you want to!
30) USE AS A NATURAL LAXATIVE
    Another positive effect olive oil can have on the digestive system is that it reduces the chance of constipation by aiding in the passage