Virgin Olive Oil : Production, Composition, Uses & Benefits for Man

Olive oil is considered to be such a crucial component of the so-called Mediterranean Diet'' that, since 2010, it has been inscribed in UNESCO''s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is considered to be a very good dietary habit. In addition, a copious amount of scientific literature has provided evidence that regular consumption of olive oil is associated with longevity, healthier ageing, cardiovascular health, prevention and protection against cancer. Currently, olive oil is gaining a world-wide rise in popularity given that it is widely considered to be a functional food able to provide health and well-being. Indeed, in recent years, the consumption and production of olive tree products, such as olive oil as well as olive fruits, food containing olive oils, leaves, bioactive extracts and single molecules are also increasing world-wide. At the same time, scientific research about olive tree products is increasing exponentially, involving academics of several disciplines, especially agronomy, arboriculture, engineering, economics, food technology, medicine and pharmacology.