What has come to be know as “superfoods” are nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. As consumers become increasingly aware of the empty calories and zero nutrition offered in processed foods, the need to eat foods that enrich our bodies has never been greater. Many medical and nutritional experts advise that if we were to make just one change in our kitchen to promote health and gain substantial benefits in numerous ways, it would be to use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in place of other fats. Plus, it is delicious.

Benefits that qualify olive oil a superfood include decreased cancer risk (oleocanthal, the phytonutrient in olive oil, reduces inflammation and the risk of breast cancer.); lowered cholesterol, which discourages heart disease; reduced oxidative stress (olive oil is the plant oil highest in monounsaturated fat); decreased blood pressure (regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure); diabetes prevention (a diet rich in olive oil helps lower low-density lipoproteins while improving blood sugar control and enhancing insulin sensitivity); osteoporosis prevention (a high consumption of olive oil improves bone mineralization and calcification); and increased calcium absorption, which plays an important role in prevention of osteoporosis.

Taste EVOO from Alfonso Oil Co. at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4320 N. Campbell Ave., Ste. 40, Tucson, and 7854 N. Oracle Rd., in Trader Joe’s Plaza, Oro Valley. For more information, visit AlfonsoOliveOil.com.