Olive Oil
Olive Oil is the base of the Mediterranean Diet. The reason that brings olive oil on top of a healthy everyday diet, is the high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (up to 83%), much more resistant to oxidation than the polyunsaturated fatty acids of other origin.
In addition, every day consumption of olive oil strengthens the body's defenses against viruses and diseases, helps in reducing the cholesterol levels both total and LDL(“bad”), protects from CHD, lowers the blood pressure and is a strong anti-ageing factor.
Using olive oil for frying is very much recommended, as it is more resistant to heat than any other oil or fat. Nevertheless, olive oil is better to be consumed raw or added during the last stages of cooking.