Olives and Health

The internationally-recognised health benefits of extra virgin olive oil do not rate in the draft Australian Dietary Guidelines released on 13 December by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Other ingredients in the Mediterranean Diet are recommended, as is the replacement of some saturated fat by vegetable oils high in monounsaturated fats, however EVOO doesn’t rate a mention. The Guidelines are out for public consultation until 29 February 2012.

Fatty acids and phytochemicals found in fish oil and olive oil have been shown to block cellular mechanisms involved in the development of acute pancreatitis, say researchers. Read more here, and also in the coming January-February edition of Olivegrower & Processor’s regularHealth Round-up.

Use of low dose x-ray irradiation on vacuum packed asparagus can increase both shelf life and microbiological safety of the product, according to new US research.
Suitable for table olives, perhaps – Ed?

Consumption of ‘junk food diets’ containing high levels of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods high in vitamins may offer protection, says new research.

Still more reason for consumers – and food manufacturers – to switch to olive oil – Ed.

Renewed interest in health and wellness leads the top 10 trends set to dominate the UK food and drink sector in 2012, according to Leatherhead Food Research.

Input from Nestlé, Kellogg, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, DSM, Unilever, Cargill, Ocean Spray, Kraft, Danone, Health Canada, the University of Milan and 45 other parties has informed fresh EFSA guidance on antioxidant and cardiovascular health claims.

Antioxidants and their high doses used in dietary supplements should be the focus of more relevant research, according to an editorial in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

The Go For 2 + 5 Fruit and Vegetables Campaign is conducting a competition to find the school canteen that produces the healthiest food for its kids, and Olives SA is right there backing it.