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It’s Official: Consuming More EVOO Will Help You Live Longer

It’s Official: Consuming More EVOO Will Help You Live Longer

Dear Kosterina Family, 

Reaching for a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in the kitchen is a no-brainer. Whether you’re cooking with it or dipping in it, we’ve always known that many people who embrace a Mediterranean lifestyle tend to live longer—and now, we’re happy to report that there’s new data behind ancient Greek wisdom.

A new report from Harvard’s Department of Nutrition presents new evidence that replacing other fats and oils with olive oil can lead to increased longevity by lowering the risk of diseases.

Though this study is just one piece of the health puzzle, we’re delighted the evidence points to the positive long-term impact EVOO can have on your health and longevity. 

How Harvard Proved EVOO is the Best Cooking Oil For Long-Term Health

For nearly 30 years, the Harvard study tracked 60,582 women and 31,801 men without an initial history of cardiovascular disease or cancer. 

Every two years from 1990 until 2018, study participants were surveyed about their consumption of specific foods, including red meat, alcohol, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. The surveys also took other factors into account, including body weight, smoking habits, physical activity, medications, vitamins, and any disease diagnoses. 

Replacing other types of fat, like margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat lowered the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and respiratory disease, researchers found. 

Over the course of the study, EVOO grew in popularity, while the intake of other fats like margarine lessened. 

One statistic from the study really stood out to me: Consuming half a tablespoon of olive oil per day was associated with 16% lower risk of cancer mortality, compared to consuming no olive oil at all. 

Here’s how EVOO can lead to a longer life

When you opt for olive oil instead of butter (or another oil), you get the added benefit of powerful polyphenols. Just remember to select real EVOO to pack an antioxidant punch.  

The report posits that benefits of olive oil intake include:

  • Reduced inflammation
  • Better lipid profile (aka improved cholesterol levels)
  • Improved insulin sensitivity
  • Reduced oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body
  • Decreased blood pressure

Sounds pretty great, right? While you may notice these improvements in your daily life, they are also vital in preventing common life-threatening diseases.

Who’s ready to join me for a daily dose of EVOO? The ones we make here at Kosterina are harvested and cold-pressed to extract high levels of beneficial polyphenols (and they taste great). Get yours here. 

You can find the full Harvard Study HERE.