Because EVOO has all of the following benefits:

• Antioxidants - reducing oxidative stress on the body by fighting free radicals which have been linked to cancer and ageing;

• Monounsaturated fat (no cholesterol) – which has been classified a ‘good fat’ essential in your diet and is better for your heart;

• Contains no additives or preservatives; and

• Olive oil has a higher boiling point than other oils so is suited to cooking or frying – it has a higher resistance to oxidative deterioration.

You may have heard about the Mediterranean diet and how it is better for you. This diet includes a healthy balance of fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, fish and of course, olive oil. This diet will increase your daily intake of antioxidants and essential monounsaturated fats.

Remember the Mediterranean includes a number of different countries (Greece, Italy, Spain, Southern France, Turkey, Morocco and Algeria) so you have a multitude of different cooking styles to choose. The key is to pick fresh fruit and vegetables (they must be bright in colour) and to use EVOO instead of margarine - why not drizzle EVOO on your toast with honey.