eMag Ipso Facto numéro 1 We-are-what-we-eat_1-2-3 | Page 13

Is taking EVO healthy? The benefits of extra virgin olive oil T.Citraro , L.Dutilly, G.Lima , G.Palaia , V.Moscatello “Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and most expensive olive oil classification .It should have no defects and a flavor of fresh olives . It must be produced entirely by mechanical means without the use of any solvents , and below temperatures that might degrade the oil .Extra virgin olive oil is made simply by crushing olives and extracting the juice .”¹ On January 11th some students from our school visited an oil factory in Calabria . Oil workers showed us how they pick olives up and produce extra- virgin olive oil ; besides , they talked to us about benefits of this precious ingredients. Some of the most important ones are : • Antioxidant activity: antioxidants are substances that help prevent damage to our body’s cells,caused by hazardous oxigen molecules,known as “ free radicals” ( which contribute to heart diseases). • Anti-bacterial properties: extra- virgin olive oil has been shown tofight certain types of bacteria. • Anti-inflammatory effects: tank to its inflammation fighting properties, extra.virgin olive oil can play a role in a healthy meal plan. Main source : https://legionathletics.co m 11