When we talk about summer, we tend to think of longer days, rest, a bit of switching off… but also of resuming or maintaining healthy habits. The good weather invites us to get moving: evening walks, bike rides, outdoor training sessions, or even that game of padel that gives you such a boost. And at Almazaras de la Subbética , we know that if there’s one thing that can help you perform better, recover more effectively, and look after your body from the inside out, it’s extra virgin olive oil. Yes, you read that correctly: EVOO. It can become one of your greatest allies, because it is an essential superfood for sports.
Not only is a good EVOO delicious, but it is also a natural source of high-quality energy. Its healthy fats, mainly monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid, support cellular metabolism, improve performance, and help maintain stable blood glucose levels. This translates into more consistent energy and fewer fatigue spikes.
Did you know that consuming EVOO before training can help you have a more efficient and sustained session? And if you have it afterwards, it helps to combat the oxidative stress generated during physical exertion.
Sport, while healthy, involves physical wear and tear. Muscular effort generates micro-tears and inflammatory processes which, if not managed, can lead to discomfort or injuries.
This is where EVOO shines once again. It contains oleocanthal, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties comparable to ibuprofen… and with no side effects! Including extra virgin olive oil in your daily diet helps to reduce muscle inflammation, improve recovery, and relieve minor aches after exercise.
Yes, free radicals also increase with intense physical effort. These compounds damage our cells and accelerate ageing. EVOO, especially if it is of high quality like those we offer at Almazaras de la Subbética, is rich in polyphenols and vitamin E, two potent antioxidants that combat these free radicals.
That is why we once again underline the importance of integrating olive oil into your diet if you are an athlete: it is essential for anyone who wants to look after their long-term health.
You are what you eat… and also what your body can absorb. And EVOO helps you make better use of the nutrients in your food: it promotes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, improves intestinal transit, and protects the gastric mucosa. All of this is key for good sports nutrition, especially if you train frequently or engage in long-duration activities.
One of the great advantages of extra virgin olive oil is its versatility. You can add it to salads, hummus, gazpachos, toast, cold pasta dishes, or even green smoothies. It also withstands cooking heat better than other oils, making it ideal for sautéing or cooking without losing its properties.
A simple tip? Start the day with a spoonful of EVOO on an empty stomach. It’s a small gesture with great benefits for your digestive system and your energy levels.
Because summer is also an ideal time of year to take care of yourself and, why not, improve your performance or simply feel good with healthy habits. And for that, EVOO should be at the forefront of your pantry.
A functional, natural, and complete food with centuries of history, which science continues to rediscover as one of the pillars of Mediterranean health. At Almazaras de la Subbética, we have been committed for years to quality, respect for the environment, and innovation in the production of our oils. And we firmly believe that EVOO, as well as being a gastronomic gem, can also be a silent ally for those who want an active, healthy, and energetic summer.
So… are you ready to include it in your sports routine? Your body, and your palate, will thank you for it.
