Olive oil is in a class of its own for the many ways it can positively impact a healthy lifestyle. Well-documented by numerous studies around the world, the numeous health benefits of olive oil make it one of the most indispensable ingredients of a healthy diet.
Naturally packed with monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, not only can a good extra virgin olive oil lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, research has shown that it also provides a wide range of anti-inflammatory benefits that can positively impact illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and asthma. In addition, the physical properties of olive oil make it the most suitable edible oil, easily absorbed by the body, with beneficial effects on the stomach.
Medicine for longevity
Modern scientific research has now proven its beneficial properties, rediscovering what Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and other doctors in ancient Greece had found out by using olive oil as treatment for their patients.
It has been documented that low percentage of deaths from heart disease among the inhabitants of rural areas in the Greek island of Crete can be attributed to the high level of olive oil consumption, in contrast to other countries whose residents consume seed/vegetable oils and animal fats. It was in Crete, after all, that the first cultivation of olive trees in history took place circa 3500 BC during what is now called by archaeologists the early Minoan times.
Cretan gift
More than 200,000 tons of olive oil and 10,000 tons of organic olive oil are produced in Crete per year, in ever-increasing quantities. Most of the local producers are family-run businesses, with lifelong experience and knowledge in olive oil production. That is also the case with “Critida” company established in Heraklion of Crete back in 1998, in order to standardize and trade in locally produced olive oil.
It specializes in two categories of olive oil: extra virgin and biological. It also produces and trades olive paste, olives and delicatessen products, which combine extra virgin olive oil with traditional Cretan herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, garlic and paprika flavor. All of the company’s products are quality tested by highly qualified personnel, in accordance with international and European standards.
“Critida” products have already earned a good name for themselves, as they are being exported to 32 countries worldwide, with USA, Canada and Germany standing out as their top 3 markets. It is no wonder then that they have won 28 national and international awards.
