Incidence of heart disease is much lower in people from Mediterranean countries. This is believed to be linked to their high consumption of olive oil, which is low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated fats.

Olive oil helps to lower damaging LDL cholesterol (low density lipo-proteins) which can clog arteries and maintains the level of beneficial HDL cholesterol (high density lipo-proteins) which are believed to remove cholesterol from the body.

It is also a rich source of vitamin E, a natural storehouse for vitamins A, D & K. and a good source of antioxidants. Olive oil is also believed to lower the risk of breast cancer.