The Mediterranean diet is not only a way of eating, but also a way of life. Fresh, seasonal and locally sourced products predominate in everyday life, along with simple recipes passed down from generation to generation, shared meals, long conversations around the table and respect for the land.
One of the main threads running through the Mediterranean diet is extra virgin olive oil, that treasure that springs from the earth and which we produce with generations of care at Almazaras de la Subbética.
The national and international scientific community has acknowledged and recognized the benefits of this dietary model, which is highly recommended due to the balance and variety of the ingredients it includes.
EVOO is much more than a common ingredient or dressing in our kitchens. It is one of the hallmarks of the Mediterranean diet and one of the most highly regarded fats in a healthy diet.
But that is not all. Adding it to different dishes makes it possible to bring flavour, aroma, texture and personality to the plate. It enhances the flavour of food, whether used hot or cold, thanks to its palatability—in other words, its ability to be especially pleasing to the palate.
The organoleptic attributes of olive oil certainly encourage its consumption raw. It is perfect for combining with all kinds of vegetables, pulses, meat or low-calorie fish, which are especially suitable for diets aimed at weight loss. Have you already tried them with our Parqueoliva Serie Oro?
And unlike other oils, because it is not refined but genuinely natural, it retains its full anti-inflammatory capacity.
Without a doubt, extra virgin olive oil is one of the most complete foods in the Mediterranean diet. Its list of bioactive properties, which may be beneficial to health, is extensive.
To begin with, it is characterised by a high content of monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, which has a double bond in its structure, allowing it to remain liquid at room temperature. Consequently, its consumption helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and, as a result, mortality.
Likewise, it is a powerful ally in helping to reduce what is commonly known as bad cholesterol (LDL).
EVOO also contains polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
They also regulate the expression of genes associated with inflammation and help maintain a healthy gut microbiota, as polyphenols act as natural prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and help curb the spread of pathogens.
Vitamin E is another of the main components of extra virgin olive oil. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and there is a clear association with a lower risk of hyperglycaemia and diabetes.
In short, the Mediterranean diet is not understood as a collection of isolated foods, but as a complete dietary pattern. It includes vegetables, fruit, cereals, pulses, nuts, fish, dairy products, meat in moderation and, of course, EVOO as the main culinary fat.
Its value lies precisely in this balance: eating a wide variety of foods, enjoying natural flavours and recreating recipes that respect the ingredients.
At Almazaras de la Subbética, we understand this connection between health, flavour and the land. Choosing a good EVOO means choosing a natural, versatile product deeply connected to our gastronomic identity. It means choosing quality at every meal and rediscovering the value of authenticity. Because in the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is not an addition: it is one of its main pillars.
Almazaras de la Subbética represents this tradition with an eye to the future, producing EVOOs that bring together origin, innovation, sustainability and gastronomic pleasure. And you can find all of them in our online store!
