Food as medicine – sharing the health benefits of the humble olive
By Laura Thomas
The olive has been placed at the centre of revamped US healthy eating guidelines, shining a new spotlight on the fruit’s myriad of health benefits.
The government’s health and nutrition recommendations were released last month, suggesting the inclusion of olive oil and table olives in a healthy American diet.
The US is already a leading global consumer of olive oil and the market is tipped to rise again 2025-26 following considerable growth in recent years.
Now, olive oil is officially recognised as a “foundational healthy food” as interest in the food as medicine movement continues to grow.
Olives are viewed as a superfood the world over – providing both sustenance and medicine, helping to boost health and stave off disease.
From improving heart health, reducing inflammation, helping gut health, regulating weight and much more – the olive has been linked to many great things.
Australia produces some of the best quality olives and extra virgin olive oil in the world.
This is thanks to its high industry standards, testing technology and quality regulation provided through the industry’s official code of best practice, OliveCare®.
Australian Olive Association Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan said the health benefits provided by quality olives and olive oil was well documented.
“It’s such an important message to be sharing with Australian consumers,” he said.
“As the peak national body for the Australian olive industry, the AOA’s role is to foster its continued development.
“By building and growing consumer awareness in areas such as health, we can continue to increase consumption of our supreme quality Australian olive products and create a better industry for all.”
Mr Southan said industry members had an important role to play.
“Growers and producers big and small play a crucial role in market education,” he said.
“Every time they talk to their customers – be it at the farm-gate or market-stall – they have the prime opportunity to touch on the health benefits of olives and olive products.
“And wouldn’t it be great for our industry to see extra virgin olive oil prominently featured in the Australian Dietary Guidelines one day?”
You can read more about that idea, here.
Industry resources
Are you looking for credible information and resources?
Australia’s Olive Wellness Institute is the “go to” for credible information regarding the nutrition, health and wellness benefits of olives and olive products.
The organisation’s mission is to “increase awareness of extra virgin olive oil and other olive products by gathering, sharing and promoting expert, credible and evidence-based information on their nutrition, health and wellness benefits”.
Check out the wealth of information available via the website.
Sources:
www.olivewellnessinstitute.org
www.oliveoiltimes.com
www.aboutoliveoil.org
www.australianolives.com.au