Nutritional value

Olive Oil's Nutritional value

The incontestable protagonist of Kalamata’s Mediterranean Diet

A unique and invaluable commodity, which thanks to its nutritional values, has been consolidated in the daily diet of messinians and beyond.

Olive oil consists an integral part for almost every homemade recipe in Kalamata.

Each dish with Kalamata olive oil rocks gastronomic delight both in everyday meals and on special occasions.

Olive Oil contains monounsaturated fat, which are considered as beneficial components for the body. It forms a protective shield for the heart and body in general, as part of a balanced diet with a moderated use in food, salads, etc.

This action of the olive oil is enhanced by the absence of cholesterol and the presence of phytosterols in it.

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are due to the polyphenols and vitamin E (tocopherol), giving to it an anti-cancer activity and enhancing the cardiovascular system.

Rich in vitamin K, which is essential for blood coagulations.

Its presence in foods such as tomato, tomato juice and tomato paste amplifies the absorption of lycopene in the body, strengthening its anticancer activity.

A raw olive oil consumption in the end of cooking is highly recommended, for bringing out and simultaneously protecting its invaluable nutritional values.

Olive oil measures the same number of calories compared to other types of oil.

In order to bring out all its nutritional values, a small amount of it in dishes, salads, etc. seems enough, as it is easy to encumber the daily diet in calories.

However, its use is not limited to foods, salads, sauces and pies, but also it can be used as a basic component for sweets (cakes, etc.) and pastries (cookies, etc.) instead of margarine or butter.

TIPS

  • Anyone can easily prepare his own aromatic olive oil, which can spice up an already tasty result.

  • Traditionally, olive oil was used by housewives to prepare soaps which were used for daily hygiene and for washing clothes. This habit has traveled through many years and the younger generations are turning to olive oil as a skincare product for facial and body care.

    In Kalamata, there are two groups for olive oil tasting: One at the TEI of Peloponnese based in Kalamata and another one at N.AG.RE.F.