When it comes to your health, oils aint oils

Choosing extra virgin olive oil as your main source of dietary fat, combined with a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and legumes, may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

There are 3 types of fats: saturated, polyunsaturated, and mono-unsaturated. Olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fat. Research has shown that both polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats can lower blood cholesterol levels.

Olive oil contains ingredients known as phenolic compounds. These compounds contain antioxidants that protect the bodys cells against damage, inflammation and blood clots.

Different olive oils contain different levels of phenolic compounds depending on how they are processed. Extra virgin olive oil preserves the natural ingredients of the olive and contains higher levels of phenolic compounds.

Remember: Moderate amounts of extra-virgin olive oil may help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes when combined with a healthy diet.

Source: Mediterranean diet. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4644
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/(Pages)/Olive_oil?OpenDocument
http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/full/46/10/1864