Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Holy Monastery of Agkarathos – Six Dimensions

Description

Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Holy Monastery of Agkarathos

The extra virgin olive oil from the Holy Monastery of Agkarathos is produced using the cold extraction method in the monastery’s modern olive mill. The monks process the olives in the traditional way and create an authentic monastic product. With their personal care, at the monastery’s olive press, the oil is made from the fruit of the excellent “Koroneiki” variety, the natural juice of the olive—extra virgin olive oil from the Holy Monastery of Agkarathos.

The extra virgin olive oil becomes cloudy at low temperatures, but it returns to normal when at room temperature, without affecting its quality. Its special metallic packaging – a tin can with a safety cap – ensures even greater freshness and is particularly practical for use. It should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Cold Extraction Method

This particular olive oil is produced using the cold extraction method. This means that the olive oil is extracted under pressure without adding any heat. It is worth noting that cold-pressed olive oils stand out due to their aroma, color, and taste, and they have very low acidity. They are rich in sterols, fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Ingredients and Properties

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids (up to 83%), and antioxidants, such as polyphenols. It is also a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood lipids. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends consuming two tablespoons of olive oil daily for heart protection.

The protective action of monounsaturated fatty acids on cholesterol levels is well-known today. A large part of the protective properties of olive oil is attributed to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids. It has also been shown that the phenolic components of olive oil contribute to the prevention and protection from risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and have been documented to possess anti-inflammatory and chemoprotective properties. Specifically, much attention has been given to oleocanthal, which seems to have strong anti-inflammatory effects.

The Foundation of the Mediterranean Diet

Today, olive oil is the foundation of the Mediterranean food pyramid, which has been proven to be a model for a healthy diet and longevity. The European EUROLIVE study, conducted in 2006, presented evidence for the protective role of the phenolic compounds in olive oil. The experiments in this study were carried out on 200 healthy volunteers from across Europe, showing protection against oxidative stress. Specifically, an increase in HDL (good cholesterol) levels was observed, along with reduced lipid oxidative stress markers. Moreover, the same study showed a 13% reduction in DNA oxidation markers, a percentage comparable to that observed after quitting smoking.

Origin: Holy Monastery of Agkarathos