The Olive is a species of small tree in the family Oleaceae, native to coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean region, from Lebanon and the maritime parts of Asia Minor and northern Iran at the south end of the Caspian Sea. Its use as a major agricultural product in pre-classical Greece led to its wider distribution throughout the western Mediterranean. Olive trees show a marked preference for calcareous soils, flourishing best on limestone slopes and crags, and coastal climate conditions.
In the Mediterranean countries of Europe people eat a lot of olive oil. It is common to eat bread or toast just dipped in olive oil. Because of the daily use of olive oil the people that live in these countries suffer less from heart diseases than people of other countries in Europe. The use of olive oil has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood. Because olives grow in a warm environment and the fruit has to protect itself from heat and bright sunshine, olives contain a lot of phenolic compounds, that could possibly play a role in the prevention and cure of thrombosis and arteriosclerosis. Olive oil is also easy to digest and mild for the intestines.
In the Mediterranean countries of Europe people eat a lot of olive oil. It is common to eat bread or toast just dipped in olive oil. Because of the daily use of olive oil the people that live in these countries suffer less from heart diseases than people of other countries in Europe. The use of olive oil has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood. Because olives grow in a warm environment and the fruit has to protect itself from heat and bright sunshine, olives contain a lot of phenolic compounds, that could possibly play a role in the prevention and cure of thrombosis and arteriosclerosis. Olive oil is also easy to digest and mild for the intestines.