Food & Herbs that Heal coming hot: OLIVE OIL

I feel like oils are the forgotten piece when cooking, but it is actually one of the MOST important parts (in my opinion).

Benefits of Olive Oil:

• Healthy fat high in monosaturated fats
• Loaded with antioxidants, phytosterols and vitamins
• May help with easier bowel movements/constipation
• Supports cardiovascular health & reduces cardiovascular disease
• Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties supporting immunity and longevity
  • Olive oil contains oleic acid which helps reduce inflammation in your body
• Benefits skin health helping prevent acne, improve elasticity and help skin conditions
• Helps lower you blood pressure

And this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Ways you can sneak it into your diet daily:

1. Cook it with EVERYTHING – when sautéing veggies, cooking meat, fish or eggs in the oven or on a pan, replace vegetable oil when baking bread with olive oil, make own dressings
2. Drizzle it on EVERYTHING – on your salads, avocado toast, veggies before eating
3. Take it like a Shot (if you have the balls) – seriously, half a tablespoon worth and just shoot it…your body will thank you later

What to buy and look for:

1. Always go for extra virgin olive oil. Why? Because it is the least processed oil and contains higher amounts of healthy fats and antioxidants that you want.
2. Make sure it is stored in a glass container. Glass doesn’t leach into your products like a plastic bottle can which will severely impact your hormones and digestive health.
3. Make sure the bottle color is dark and green NEVER transparent. When olive oil is exposed to light it oxidizes and loses it’s benefits.
4. Check for NO sediment in the bottle. If olive oil has sediment it has not been filtered properly which again will cause oxidation we don’t want.
5. Check the food label (you will get sick of me saying this). On an olive oil label look for the year of harvest/production that way you know how long it has been on the shelf (the longer the more chances it will break down and lose nutrients) AND look for an organic seal (if you can find one).
6. Don’t feel like you have to stick to one brand. Trying different olive oils is fun so buy what’s available following the criteria above!

One thing I want to say, I HIGHLY urge you to ditch the canola, seed and vegetable oils. This is always one of the first products I have my clients ditch and to start cooking with olive oil or bake with coconut oil. It seems like a small change, but it will end with massive benefits your body will thank you for as you age. If you want to learn more check out this article and video by Dr. Hyman to dive into the dirty details.

FUN OLIVE OIL RECIPE: Infuse your own olive oils with your favorite herbs!

In a glass container, place your fresh herb plant slightly muddles/torn to get the aromas going. I like to use rosemary or basil. Pour in your olive oil of choice. Let sit for a day then use when cooking to have an effortless hidden flavor!

Easy Peasy!