Known in ancient times as “juice of the god” , olive oil has only enhanced its reputation over the years. While it may not be the ticket to immortality, there is evidence that it can lead to a longer and healthier life.
“The traditional Mediterranean diet is high in olive oil and certainly there’s evidence to suggest these people live longer and have fewer lifestyle diseases.
There are many other factors that are part of the Mediterranean diet but olive oil is a big part of it.
Nutritionally, olive oil is a complex substance, jam-packed full of health-giving properties.
“It is one of the best sources of monounsaturated fats and definitely one of the tastiest.
The nearest competitor is canola oil, which is also high in omega 3 fat content, but not as high in antioxidants as olive oil. Olive oil is also more versatile than canola, which is pretty tasteless.
Unlike some polyunsaturated oils, olive oil is likely to form harmful trans fatty acids when overheated.
Olive oils help to lower the LDL bad cholesterol and raise the HDL good cholesterol. The effect on blood cholesterol is a positive one compared with animal fats and saturated fats. Extra virgin olive oil had the greatest levels of antioxidants with light olive oil the least. Regardless of the quality, you should restrict consumption to a maximum of two tablespoons a day,
Unfortunately, the two word on olives themselves is not as favourable. Olive have a lot of goodness but they are also very high in salt. Olives are something you should consider a treat.

Regular blood cholesterol testing is recommended for all adults aged 45 years and over, and also for younger adults with a family history of heart disease, who have high blood pressure or who smoke.
Follow-up testing frequency will vary depending on your age, level of risk and your doctor’s advice. People over 45 at lower risk may not require another blood test for five years whereas those at higher risk may require annual testing. Testing may be required more often, for example, in the first few months after commencing treatment with cholesterol-lowering medications.
The blood test measures.
. Your total blood cholesterol
. Your HDL (good) cholesterol
. Your LDL (bad) cholesterol
. Your triglyceride levels
Cholesterol levels are measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood (mmol/L). Depending on what is being measured, your doctor will advise you if you need to fast before your blood test.
Generally, the lower your blood cholesterol levels the better. This is especially true for people with other risk factors or with coronary heart disease. For example, a total of blood cholesterol level of 4.5 mmol/L is better than 5.5 mmol/L and a blood triglyceride level of 1.5 mmol/L is better than 2.0 mmol/L for women. Level of 6.5mmol/L for men and 5.4mmol/L for women. Levels of 6.5mmol/L or more indicate high risk.