Researchers found that participants

Researchers found that participants in a study who consumed the most olive oil tended to have healthier diets than those who consumed the least amount of olive oil.
Participants who had the highest consumption of olive oil consumed less cereal and baked goods but more eggs and vegetables, and had a higher vitamin intake than those who consumed the least amount of olive oil.

Researchers concluded that olive oil is a major contributing factor to the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition September 2003;57 Suppl 1:S2-7



Dr. Mercola's Comments:


This study reinforces the value of olive oil in promoting health as part of the Mediterranean diet. While olive oil can and should be a healthy part of your diet, what most people do not appreciate is that olive oil should not be used to cook with.

Olive oil is primarily a monounsaturated fat. This means that it has one double bond in its fatty acid structure. The problem with olive oil is its overabundance of oleic acid, which creates an imbalance on the cellular level that can inhibit prostaglandin production, which can increase the risk of breast cancer and heart disease.

So if you plan on using a fat to cook with, your clear choice is coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which is a proven antiviral and immune system builder.

However, most commercial coconut oils are refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD), and contain chemicals used in processing.

Because of these variations my team and I here researched coconut oil extensively until we found the ideal source. I now highly recommend and offer you what is clearly the premier brand of virgin coconut oil in the United States, Tropical Traditions. This virgin coconut oil is not only certified organic, but it also met all our other requirements, including no GMO ingredients, bleaching, deodorizing, refining or hydrogenation. Tropical Traditions also uses fresh coconuts (not "copra" or dried coconuts like most oils) that come from a rural region of the Philippines untainted by urban pollution.

I urge you to try this virgin coconut oil and experience the health benefits for yourself. If you do choose another brand, please be sure that it meets these requirements.