Crete is a major producer of olive oil
With an estimated 34 million olive trees - which works out to 62 olive trees for every man, woman and child. Crete also claims to have the oldest living olive tree, though two trees - each over 2000 years old - on either side of the island vie for the title. Branches from both trees were collected to make the wreaths awarded to winning athletes in the Athens 2004 Olympics.
The special geo-climatic conditions of Crete and, in particular, the sun-drenched days of summer and autumn, along with the proper application of local research, not to mention the love of the Cretans for the olive tree and its oil, have all culminated in a spectacular improvement in the level of quality!
Today, over 95% of the olive oil produced in Crete belongs to the highest category of quality labeled as "Extra Virgin".
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Is the natural juice of the olive without further processing beyond cold pressing. Its acidity does not exceed 0.7% of olive acid. It’s packaged with the label “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”
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The elixir of life
Apart from its flavor, medical studies have discovered the great importance of olive oil to health and the longevity of life. This mainly applies to Extra Virgin olive oil.
Its therapeutic and beneficial attributes have been known and respected for thousands of years. Studies of today’s scientific community have recognized the Cretan diet as one of the healthiest worldwide.
Needless to say, Cretan olive oil, which is rich in non-saturated fat acids, is the main reason for this recognition. Simply put, olive oil decreases the chance of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) which is responsible for the creation of fat deposits in the arteries.
However, olive oil does not affect HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) which works against fat deposits which may have already developed.
Olive oil helps to regulate the metabolism and the development of the brain and bones in children. It is also a source of vitamin E for children and adults.
As it is a natural antioxidant, olive oil slows down the biological ageing process. It reduces the over production of acids and the digestive system, therefore reducing the appearance of ulcers and other gastroenteric problems. It is clear that olive oil is really miraculous for the health.
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