%20(3).png)
There was a post on this blog a couple of days ago where we mentioned how doctors at Bel Marra Health had acknowledged that olive oil was outranked by Mustard Oil because the latter was ideal for heart health since it had a better balance of essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants. In fact, these doctors referred to Mustard Oil as a “Super Oil”.
Yes, olive oil certainly has a mystique of its own. It is used extensively in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal. In fact, it is an integral part of the cuisine in these countries.
There are many people in India who believe that olive oil is exotic and elegant… a Mediterranean oil with enormous health benefits. And they are right. Studies conducted across seven Mediterranean countries in the early sixties revealed that olive oil reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer; it also lowers bad cholesterol, boosts good cholesterol and enhances life expectancy.
Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? There’s just one catch. The studies were conducted on people living in Mediterranean countries. All the health benefits described earlier are dependent on a Mediterranean environment and a Mediterranean lifestyle. This means that the health benefits described earlier are valid only in a dry Mediterranean climate and in conjunction with a Mediterranean diet that predominantly includes fruits, nuts, vegetable, whole grains, red meat, fish, chicken – and red wine. The Mediterranean lifestyle also includes lots of daily exercise – climbing hills, walking long distances, etc.
So now you see why the health benefits of olive oil would not be applicable under Indian climatic conditions and in conjunction with Indian staple foods. In India the health benefits of olive oil is a myth.
Why chase unreal Mediterranean dreams? We Indians have something far better – a Super Oil called Mustard Oil!
