Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats and can help prevent colon cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, ulcers andgastritis. It assists our gallbladder in the secretion of bile needed for digestion and can help the pancreas. It can replace all our vegetable oils for cooking. Vegetable oils are heat processed at the manufacturing plants. Heat processing causes free radicals to be released into the oils and thus into our bodies. If we buy the first cold pressed olive oil, that means the oil has been cold processed and is much healthier for us. It should be stored in a cool dark place in an airtight (preferably dark) glass jar or can. It can be stored in the refrigerator if desired.

Olive oil can be used to remove make up or as a laxative. It can be mixed with lemon juice for an evening liver cleanse and can be used as a lotion. I use olive oil on my face at night (I wouldn't use it during the day, as it may "cook"your skin if you spend time in the sun.) It is amazing how fast it can soak into middle aged skin and what it can do for dry feet!

Olive oil should be used for cooking at medium to low temperatures. If we use it for cooking at higher temperatures, we are creating the same free radical effect that occurs at vegetable oil manufacturing plants. If you need to cook foods at higher temperatures, walnut oil is a good choice. It costs as much or less than olive oil, handles higher temperatures better and contains an abundance of the important omega three oils. If your kids do not like olive oil in their pancakes, waffles, muffins, etc., walnut oil makes a great, mild flavored substitute.