The second major component of our GWEEPRODUCTS CBD oil is the highest quality Kalamata olive oil from the Messinia region of Greece, which is definitely worth telling you about and devoting a whole blog post to. So, this time, we will take you on a small trip to sunny Greece and tell you about olive oil, which has a long history, tradition and a huge impact on human health. And why not use Kalamata olive oil in your daily diet, not just taking it with our CBD oil.

It is no secret that Greek olive oil is recognized as the best olive oil in the world in 2019/2020. Or at least Greek regions producing olive oil are considered to be some of the best and their olives one of the most valuable in the world.

It is important to note that about 80% of Greek olive oil production is Extra Virgin (virgin or refined olive oil, the highest quality and least processed cold pre-press oil). This is significantly higher than in Italy, which is about 67%, and in Spain, which is about 34%.

In general, the historical, cultural and economic ties of the Greeks with olive trees and olive oil are deeper than for any other nation.

Kalamata (city of Messinia region).
The sunniest region is located in southern Peloponnese, Greece. Consequently, Kalamata is classified as P.D.O. – Protected Designation of Origin: European Union (EU) Regulation (EC) No. 510/2006.

Kalamata is the second most popular city on the Peloponnese peninsula, behind Patras in southern Greece. It is called ” Olive land of Kalamata ”.

A naturally beautiful and fertile land. In Messinia – the land of olive trees and olive oil, the world-famous Kalamata olives are cultivated and produce Kalamata olive oil. This olive oil is 100% pure and natural fruit juice of the highest quality and with a unique nutritional value. For this reason, Kalamata olive oil was classified as high-quality olive oil by chemical analysis series.

The sacred olive tree has been cultivated in Messinia since the 12th century BC.

The whole land of Messinia is a huge olive grove. The favorable climate and warm sunshine throughout the year allows each farmer to take good care of each olive tree. And pick olive fruits for harvesting when they are ripe enough, but not too ripe, with excellent quality and pleasant taste.

Most farms and olive presses are run by local Greeks, who have a deep knowledge of olive oil production. And they pass down secrets from generation to generation, which leads to the creation of the highest quality olive oil.

GWEE PRODUCTS also buys its olive oil directly from such local farmers, who have been known for generations.

Kalamata olive oil.
Under EU regulations, P.D.O. the products must be grown and produced in the specified region using traditional production methods. This is all due to the unique quality and specific characteristics of the climate, the nature of the soil and the local competence.

As much as the EU P.D.O. the symbol guarantees the highest quality of the product and the integrity of the product, the Kalamata region guarantees the best extra virgin olive oil in the world, even in 2020. Kalamata olive oil is made from ‘Koroneiki’ olives with a thick skin, a pulp that is aromatic and rich in antioxidants. As a result, the olive oil produced from Koroneiki olives has a pronounced fruity, mild and balanced flavor. And only the special Greek climate and natural environment, including the soil and topography, can give excellent fruit to Koroneiki Kalamata olive trees.

Koroneiki olives are relatively small, but their trees produce large quantities of fruit. The olives are harvested when they are still green to give the name ‘early harvest’ or ‘green’ olive oil. Generally, olive juice extracted when the fruit is green has the best oil quality. And it’s great for preventing heart disease and other diseases. The oil is golden green and is very much appreciated for its fruity and fresh taste.

Kalamata olives.
Kalamata olives, named after the city of Kalamata, are the favorite Greek table olives and are called the Queen of Olives. They are deep purple when ripe, with firm, shiny peel and oval almond shape. They are usually well preserved in olive oil and/or red wine vinegar, red wine to give a uniquely rich, smoky and fruity taste. These olives are P.D.O. and they are protected by EU special status regulations.

The health benefits of Kalamata olive oil.
The health benefits of Greek Kalamata olive oil are mainly related to the healthy fats and antioxidants it contains.

All over the world, Kalamata olive oil has a known status, called the “olive oil king”, and is considered one of the healthiest oils for cooking, frying, and eating. According to the American Heart Association, olive oil extracted from the Mediterranean coasts is high in fat, but most of it is heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids fat. Good quality unfiltered Kalamata extra virgin olive oil can bring many health benefits and lower “bad” cholesterol in the body. In addition to these benefits, Kalamata olive oil can also contribute to a healthier digestion, prevent oncological diseases and other diseases.

People agree that Kalamata Extra Virgin olive oil is one of the few great core values of nutrition ​​on the Mediterranean diet.

• Kalamata olive oil can improve heart health.

The health benefits of Kalamata olive oil are: lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) to increase healthy cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body. Good quality olive oil, full of antioxidants, maintains and helps to slow down the aging process of the heart. Research has confirmed that older people, who use Mediterranean Kalamata olive oil for cooking, baking or salads have a 41% lower risk of stroke than those, who do not use good quality olive oil at all.

Fact. Cardiovascular (heart) diseases are the leading cause of death in today’s industrialized world. Several studies have documented that arteriosclerosis is closely linked to lifestyle, eating habits, the environment and some aspects of economic development. The progression of atherosclerosis depends on many factors: the most important are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking and diabetes.

“… The lowest number of deaths from coronary heart disease is currently recorded in countries where olive oil is actually the only fat consumed,” said Professor Francisco Grande Covián.

Studies have shown the beneficial effects of Kalamata olive oil on heart health. First, regular consumption reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Second, it prevents recurrence after the first coronary event (heart disease).

Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in preventing the recurrence of secondary cardiac (coronary) disease and the beneficial effects of olive oil on depression associated with such events and on mood in general. Such discoveries are necessary in view of the high incidence of depression in today’s world and the high risk it poses for recurrent heart disease.

• Kalamata olive oil can regulate and lower blood pressure.

Regular intake of good quality unfiltered Kalamata olive oil, as well as a diet low in saturated fat, can help reduce hypertension and control blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that the daily dose needed to control high blood pressure could be reduced in patients taking medication to control their blood pressure and regularly taking olive oil. This is probably due to the reduction in nitric acid caused by the polyphenols found in olive oil.

When comparing different nations worldwide in terms of cardiovascular mortality, Mediterranean people rarely die from such diseases. This is due to their lifestyle and their Mediterranean diet, where the daily consumption of olive oil is integral. A study in Spain reported that people, who consume olive oil in their diet have a lower chance of developing heart disease, including hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high blood triglycerides and cholesterol) and stroke. It has also been shown that regular and moderate consumption of Mediterranean olive oil helps to reduce inflammation (swelling), endothelial dysfunction (vascular disease) and thrombosis (blood clot).

• Kalamata olive oil can reduce the risk of developing oncological diseases.

Individuals, who regularly add olive oil to their diet and prevent saturated fat use, have a significantly lower risk of developing certain malignancies such as breast, prostate, endometrial, gastrointestinal, colorectal and respiratory tumors.

Numerous studies have been conducted that reveal the relationship between obesity and the development of tumors. In the United States alone, about 30-35% of deaths are caused by cancer. Cancer ranks second in terms of heart (cardiovascular) disease when it comes to deaths worldwide. In addition, people living in the Mediterranean, who support a Mediterranean diet and lifestyle have a lower incidence of cancer compared to people in northern Europe or the US. Probably because of the healthier Mediterranean dietary habits. It is possible that natural and bioactive food ingredients have the potential to have a preventive effect even against oncological diseases.

Scientists stressed that this positive effect could be due to oleic acid, which is a constituent of olive oil, a healthy fat – mostly monounsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid plays a very positive role in reducing the production and development of tumors as it reduces the production of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.

In addition, there are other positive components of olive oil, such as antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols and squalene, which also have a positive effect. For example, squalene is thought to have a beneficial effect on the skin, reducing the likelihood of melanoma.

Current research focuses on the potential defense mechanism and benefits of olive oil in the fight against childhood leukemia and various types of oncology.

According to the information currently available, olive oil containing healthy fats and antioxidants could simultaneously act at different stages of the cancer formation process.

• Kalamata olive oil can control obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Good quality Kalamata Extra Virgin olive oil contains healthy fats and antioxidants, which, due to their high nutritional value, can make it easier to regulate or even lose weight. In addition, olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are healthy fats and can help to prevent type II diabetes.

Over the past decades, obesity and metabolism syndrome have grown significantly, becoming a public health problem due to high hospitalization rates, treatment costs and poor quality of life. Both obesity and metabolic syndrome are characterized by insulin resistance, which increases the risk of heart (cardiovascular) disease and oncological disease, even despite healthy eating habits. In fact, only 5-10% of cancers are linked to genetic causes, while 90-95% can be related to lifestyle, eating habits, the environment and some aspects of economic development.

Fact. The link between obesity and type 2 diabetes is so closely linked, that a new term, diabetes, has been introduced. It is a global pandemic supported by an obesogenic environment, fueled by the intake of energy-dense foods and reduced energy consumption as a result of weight gain. In recent years, the incidence of obesity in young people has increased, with the result that type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome is not only a problem in adults, but is increasingly diagnosed with children.

Obesity symbolizes a major public health problem. Overweight and obesity are associated with metabolic syndrome and adipose tissue dysfunction. The Mediterranean diet, with its main ingredient olive oil, is a potential therapy to prevent adiposopathy or the development of “sick fat”.

Another interesting fact discovered during research is that olive oil can prevent overeating due to the “good” components in olive oil that reduce the feeling of hunger. Studies at Syracuse University have uncovered a small olive oil molecule that can upset the cause of hunger. The molecule can affect how the body perceives and uses energy. Research suggests that this could lead to the treatment of conditions that affect energy balance, such as diabetes and obesity.

• Kalamata olive oil can prevent metabolic syndrome (metabolism disorders) and obesity.

Metabolic syndrome is a set of conditions that can lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The main symptoms are increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Fact. Overweight and obese people are very dominant worldwide. According to statistics, a billion people are overweight and 300 million are considered obese in the world. The research studies estimate that in 10 years (in 2030), roughly 2 billion people will be overweight and 1,12 billion obese. Looking at recent statistics and studies, obesity is considered to be a major public health problem, with a strong impact on people’s health, economy and quality of life. Studies show that, over the past ten years, that has been responsible for a quarter of all cancers (25%), that could be prevented by reducing the rate of obesity.

Consuming good quality olive oil regularly for metabolic syndrome patients could reduce and even eliminate the risk of disease.

• Kalamata olive oil can improve indigestion.

Kalamata extra virgin olive oil is the ultimate fat, not only because it benefits other parts of our body such as our heart, skin and hair, but also because it can guard our digestive system from ulcers. Research analysis shows that adhering to the Mediterranean diet and including healthy fats – olive oil in your diet – can help treat or prevent stomach ulcers.

Another health benefit of olive oil is its high content of vitamin E and polyphenols, which increases its ability to improve cellular health and at the same time reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, extra virgin olive oil stimulates peptide formation to promote healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.

What is a Mediterranean diet and why is it so important? In short, the Mediterranean diet is a diet of fruits and vegetables, fish, cereal and olive oil with reduced consumption of meat and dairy products and moderate consumption of alcohol, mainly red wine. According to a declaration by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2010, the value of this diet lies in its ability to maintain health and improve longevity. Scientific evidence shows that the Mediterranean diet is a protective diet against various types of oncological diseases: heart disease, aging and obesity. A European study on cancer and nutrition research has shown that the Mediterranean diet is most effective in preventing a number of chronic diseases, including oncology.

• Kalamata olive oil can help fight depression.

Another fact about the benefits of extra virgin olive oil proves that people who follow a Mediterranean diet based on olive oil may have a lower risk of depression.

Fact. People who regularly consume olive oil are less likely to develop depression. Conversely, people who consume large amounts of unhealthy fats or trans fats, in other words, which you can find in fast-food restaurants and mass-produced foods such as cakes, are more likely to develop depression. Studies have shown that people who regularly use trans fat are 46% more likely to develop depression than those, who use healthy fat – olive oil.

The Mediterranean diet, which is a plant-based diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, grains, fish, nuts and the most important ingredient – olive oil, reduced in meat and milk – has a good effect on mood.

Studies of the Mediterranean diet have shown that this diet could reduce the risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and could reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet can be beneficial for longevity and weight management. People who follow this diet live longer and have fewer problems with being overweight.

• Kalamata olive oil can keep bones healthy and strong.

Osteoporosis is a bone-related condition affecting millions of people, especially the elderly. It is scientifically proven that people who consume olive oil regularly have thicker and healthier bones than those, who do not.

Regular intake of olives, olive oil and olive polyphenols (i.e., health-protecting antioxidants in olive oil) has been shown to improve bone health. Studies have shown that daily intake of olive oil could prevent a reduction in bone mineral density. Olive oil promotes bone calcification and bone mineralization. The mineralization process gets better the more good quality olive oil is consumed. Olive oil promotes the absorption of calcium and thus playing a significant role during the period of growth and in the prevention of osteoporosis.

• Kalamata olive oil can promote and maintain healthy hair and skin.

Following a Mediterranean diet and regular use of unfiltered olive oil can improve the condition and physical appearance of hair, skin and nails. Olive oil is beneficial for moisturizing dry hair and making it shine. Antioxidants, vitamins A and E in olive oil, contribute to healthier skin and a radiant look.

The mineral vitamin E in olive oil protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and makes it healthier.

Fact. The Mediterranean Diet includes a significantly high quantity of foods rich in antioxidant compounds, which can help explain its many benefits. Extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, wine and fish contain molecules with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties as monounsaturated fatty acids, omega 3 fatty acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals. These factors affect longevity and slow down the development of chronic diseases associated with aging, resulting in healthier hair and skin.

If you are lucky enough to travel around the Messinia region during the harvest, you will notice that nets are placed under the trees so that all the fruits are collected by shaking the branches. Kalamata olives cannot be eaten when they are fresh because they have a very bitter taste. They are usually added to the brine solution to allow the fermentation process to work and achieve the desired flavor. The process can take up to a few months, after which the olives acquire their rich, fruity, smoky and fleshy taste.

Be sure to bring home Kalamata olive oil as the best souvenir and a great nutritional supplement!

Olive oil will certainly not cure us of neglected diseases, but it can be a great preventive measure to improve our general health and serve as a healthy habit and a contribution to a healthier and better future.

It’s no secret that there is a very close connection between what we eat and how we feel!!!

The content of this site is for informational purposes only. We are not medical experts and this should not be interpreted as medical advice. Be sure to consult your doctor before undergoing CBD or other treatment.

The chemistry of every human body and brain is unique, so the use of CBD to improve mental as well as physical health does not guarantee results. However, many GWEEPRODUCTS CBD oil users have included it into their daily routine as one of the therapies for improving mental, physical health and quality of life.

Photos from Unsplash.