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Spain is the home of prime quality gastronomy products such as fruits, wine, oils, and meat. That being said, Spanish food flagships are being produced in a Protected Designations of Origin or DOP, and this includes Spanish Olive oil. A Mediterranean staple, the Spanish olive oil is considered the healthiest oil because of its antioxidants and good fat components. A Spanish kitchen is not complete without Spanish olive oil. And since Spain holds the largest Spanish olive supplier in the world, it is unsurprising to know that Spanish people hold the second highest life expectancy in Europe. Pets love spanish olive oil too It is already known that Spanish olive oil gives plenty of health benefits, right? But did you know that it is beneficial for our pets too? A study shows that olive oils can enhance their brain and joint health. Additionally, it can boost their immune system; prevent cardiovascular disease and even cancer and diabetes. Dogs and cats that are already in their senior years can have 5-10 drops a day. And just like humans, Spanish olive oil can also make our pets look healthier on the outside. It can improve the health of their fur, keep their bones strong and minimize weight gain. Ketogenic diet benefits Speaking of weight, you might have heard the new diet trend this year: the ketogenic diet. Ketogenic has made rounds in social media and news because of its unusual way of losing weight –consume more fat, fewer carbohydrates. The idea is that our body is using carbohydrates to convert energy. In ketogenic, since you consume fewer carbohydrates your body will look for another source of energy, in this case, the stored fat.It sounds so simple, and many have tried but only a few succeeded. Why? Fat consumption does not mean you just intake whatever fat you can find – not minding its source. A study shows that consuming only 20 percent of saturated fat while the rest are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat is the best way to do a ketogenic diet.Spanish olive oil offers the essential fat you needed like monounsaturated fat, saturated fat, omega-6, and omega-3. Spanish olive oil can fight depression Olive oil is indeed a superfood. A new study shows that aside from physical health benefits, olive oil can also help in combatting depression. They discovered that the more you intake olive oil and polyunsaturated fats, the less likely you’ll get depressed. They also found out that cardiovascular disease and depression may have the same contrivances related to diet. Spanish olive oil as superfood Nowadays, what we consume does not only affect our physical health but also our overall lifestyle. Imagine, even our pets need dieting to avoid being overweight. Indeed, diet is only as good when we are mindful of what we consume.

Does it seem impossible, right? During the world it is easy to fall into temptations; plenty of appetizers, a few more beers and increased parties with Friends…This can mean a significant increase in weight, as confirmed by a recent study by Top Doctors, which speaks of an increase of up to 5kg. But do not be dumbfounded! In this article we are going to give you the keys to enjoy all these moments without having to worry. During the 90 minutes of the game the spectators can get to intake from 300 to 1000 kcal. Therefore, by making a good choice of food, we can avoid unnecessary calories. How? !Very easy! A conventional snack consisting of 30g fried potatoes (159 Kcal), 30g of cured cheese (143Kcal), 30g of fried peanuts with honey (165Kcal), half pizza (445Kcal) and all this accompanied by a can of beer (155Kcal), equals to an intake of 1067kcal, but if we substitute the potato chips for 7 carrot sticks with 30g of humus (121Kcal), the cheese for a serving of 30g of stuffed olives (45Kcal), the fried peanuts with honey for half a can of cockles with lemon juice (23Kcal), pizza for a fajita of smoked salmon with vegetables (205cal), and we drink a glass of 250ml of summer red, reducing the red wine with soda (95Kcal) we will be enjoying the same party for 489 Kcal, exactly 578 Kcal less. There are so many healhy options! Apart from the examples mentioned, we have others such as mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, pickled mussels, gazpacho roasted toast … give the imagination and choose healthy! The saving of Kcal is important, but it is not everything In the first peck, apart from being more caloric, foods are consumed poor in fiber, with excess saturated fats and salt … which can cause our body constipation , fluid retention and even swelling sensation. In contrast, the alternative heatlhy choice is much more compatible with soccer players, since it is a menu richer in fiber, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids w-3, beneficial nutrients in our body. In addition, sitting 90 minutes will make us in a situation of physical inactivity, and significantly reduce the electrical activity of the muscles. You can only get to burn a third of the calories that are burned when we are moving or walking. Therefore, we suggest you activate the metabolism by walking at least 30 minutes at medium-high intensity. You have two options; Do it before the game to unload the nerves before or after or to celebrate the victory or comment on the match of your favorite player. As you can see, keeping the line and even losing a few extra pounds is easy and convenient as long as you make a good choice of food and complement it with sports. We hope that football won’t be an excuse for not changing habits and that with these tips you can fully enjoy being the winner of this battle!

With the arrival of summer time we feel like to refreshing our menus. Do you know that nothing is better than a cold glass of cava? Professional wine tasters recommend that the best temperature for cava is 7ºC, which reaffirms the fresh character of this drink and highlights that for the appetizer time the refreshing effect of Cava Brut is ideal, as is the case of our Polloni Sparkling. Apart from providing a touch of freshness to our meals, the Cava, consumed in moderation, can also have a beneficial effect on our health. Although most research focuses on the benefits of red wine, it has been studied that cava also contains phenolic compounds, most derived from cinnamic acids, which help to inhibit the oxidation of ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL) as well. Thus, they could help to avoid the accumulation of lipids in the arteries. In addition, since Cava comes from white grapes, contain other phenolic compounds that also have antioxidant activity. Champagne, cava, sparkling. What’s the difference? Which is better? There are several denominations that refer to the same drink, Champagne is made in France, Cava is made in Spain and Sparkling wine in Italy, which only changes the place of production and the varieties of grapes used. All are wines that contain carbon dioxide due to a second fermentation in the bottle. And it is precisely the presence of this carbonic gas that could attribute to the cava certain digestive properties, since it stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, accelerating and improving digestion. Of course, you should always keep in mind that drink in moderation, that is, make an occasional or maximum consumption a glass a day for women or two for men, and choose a high-quality cava, natural preparation, as is the case of Polloni Sparkling, because if the gas is added later, these cava benefits are lower and could even cause us to feel swollen.

We understand that frying is a type of dry cooking, where a food is subjected to a rapid immersion in oil at high temperature, between 150 and 180 ° C. This type of cooking is done to have a crispy and Golden dry at the final appearance. It is not recommended normally this culinary technique, since it raises the calories of food and can contribute excess fat to the dish … But once a year is not a big deal! And if we ever want to treat ourselves to something fried, it is important to know what type of oil is best to use and why:Not all oils behave in the same way when it meets high temperatures. During frying, the oil presents a large number of chemical reactions that can produce a decrease in the nutritional components and increase in the formation of toxic compounds, such as polymers and monomers of cyclic fatty acids and polar compounds and these, cause harmful effects on health such as: intestinal irritation, increase in the size of some organs, atherosclerosis, fatty liver … What can we do to avoid this? Well, use a good oil! Do you remember in the previous posts where we commented that extra virgin olive oil has high levels of polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids and is low in polyunsaturated fatty acids, while vegetable oils that come from seeds, for example sunflower oil Is it richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids? As this difference in the lipid profile makes extra olive oil less susceptible to deterioration and the formation of harmful compounds, therefore better option for frying. Thanks to their special composition, they have a better thermal and oxidative stability. In addition, olive oil is the only oil that can be reused as long as it stays clean, filtering the remains of food. A practical tip: you can add new virgin olive oil to the used olive oil for the frying. This makes the antioxidants that have been degraded in the previous fried foods to be replaced and causes an improvement in the stability of the oil.

The Spanish guitar, the sunny beaches, the spectacular birdwatching routes, world-class golf courses, the magnificent seafood, Flamenco dancing, the world’s finest quality ham, olive oil, and wines, the chunky bread prepared in the Spanish villages, the friendly and social locals make Spain a great destination for your next travel. Whether you are planning for a family trip or you want to make your honeymoon memorable, Spain will surely let you explore the numerous possibilities of a meaningful life. Here are some good reasons why you should plan a vacation in Spain: • The Spanish Platter: Spain is famous for its globally-recognized Mediterranean cuisine that is not only noted for its appeal, but also for the immense health benefits that are associated with it. The Spanish cuisine is characterized by its gastronomic diversity that results from its seasonal and local variations. Spend some leisurely moments at Spain’s food markets and roadside restaurants or go for a local food tour in Granada. Spain is famous for its chorizo and ibérico ham and manchego cheese and notably, the best hams are produced in in Sierra de Aracena, Salamanca, and Extremadura. You may consider spending a few days in Galicia to enjoy unique seafood every day. If you are a foodie, San Sebastian can be your heaven to try out some of Spain’s most flavourful delicacies. • Sun and Beaches: Spain’s all-year-round sunny climate makes its beaches more vibrant. Extending to over 5000 miles, Spain’s coastlines feature rocky beaches as well as marvellous strips of bright golden sand. With over 300 days of bright sun in a year, you are free to engage in water sports and skiing in some of the best places such as Baqueira Beret and Sierra Nevada. • Diversity: With its white villages located in the lap of mountains, its modern cities, and beautiful islands, Spain is a land of diversity. If you are enthusiastic about architecture, consider visiting Medina Azahara in Cordoba. If you wish to explore Spain’s beauty, drop in to the Balearic Islands or to any of its cities to experience Spain’s unique culture and traditions. • History: Spain is a land with rich cultural heritage and is home to UNESCO world heritage sites, medieval towns, monuments, and castles. In every Spanish town, you will find beautiful fortresses, castles, and churches that have history associated with them. • Globally-Accredited Cycling: Majorca is considered as the best site in the world for cycling. Majorca’s terrains support different types of cycling styles and abilities, which is why the island is used as a training ground for aspiring cyclists. Cycling through the panoramic Sa Calobra climb is a real adventure. • Olive Oil & Wine: Spain is the largest producer of olive oil and its wines, produced from the best grapes in the world, complement some of the leading cuisines of the world. This gives you another reason to visit Spain and explore some of its famous vineyards. Wine- tasting tours will surely add a hint of romance to your trip. Every small town has its own local festivals and the friendly locals will make your experiences even more joyous and fulfilling.

We have several posts talking about the different fats and oils … In this paper we will return to the subject of wine, explaining a very surprising nutritional paradox … The case of the ‘French paradox’ is a curious nutritional evidence in which, at the end of the 80s, it was observed that the French, despite being big consumers of saturated fats (butter, cream, cheese), have a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases than other developed countries such as Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom or the United States. The French had a cardiovascular risk between 5 and 10 times lower than an Englishman. Scientists wondered … What is behind this paradox? After several investigations, most explanations focused on the balancing role of red wine, with its recognized heart-healthy effects due to its polyphenol content. Among all the range of polyphenols contained in the wine, he tried to find out which was the fundamental one and from the first moment one stood out above all: Resveratrol. Let’s learn a little more about this compound! Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is present in the skin of the grape, occurs naturally in response to stress of the plant (ultraviolet light, pests or pathogens in the vineyards, drought …) and contribute to the characteristic color of the wine. This compound has been attributed powerful antioxidant properties and several biological properties such as mimicking the effects of caloric restriction and anti-inflammatory effects. In the scientific studies in relation to resveratrol and cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, current clinical trials show that resveratrol could beneficially influence the biomarkers of these diseases. It is important to note that this positive effect of wine is maintained in moderate consumption, all excesses are bad and with this we emphasize that we must not exceed 2-3 units a day in men, and slightly less 1-1.5 units in women , being 1 unit = 1 glass of wine (80-100 ml).

Mother’s Day is round the corner and you may be looking to create wonderful memories this year. The times that you have spent with your mother so far are the times that you would want to come back again and again in your life. Creating a warm memory in Mother’s Day is one of the most wonderful things that you can ever gift to yourself and your mom. Wondering how you can make this year’s Mother’s Day unique? Celebrated every year on May 13, Mother’s Day brings a family together. Mother’s Day is not just about celebrating precious moments with your mom only, but it is also about spending quality time with your entire family. Mother’s Day gives you a brilliant opportunity to reconnect with your loved ones who you have not met for a long time and needless to mention, a hearty lunch with your near and dear ones or a cocktail dinner at your home can really create memories that you can cherish for a lifetime. Gift your mother the keys to good health this Mother’s Day. Treat her with a bottle of Miopasso or Polloni and gift a bottle of olive oil that is extracted from the finest quality olives of Spain. Miopasso Nero D’Avola wines, which owe their origin to Terre Siciliane IGP. Italia, are recognized for their deep purple hue and a rich mixed aroma of spices and black pepper. The fruity flavour with the predominance of dark berry fruit demonstrates the perfect combination of complexity and balance. Miopasso Primitivo Puglia wines, from Primitivo Puglia IGP. Italia, are the perfect combinations of traditional and contemporary winemaking styles and can be enjoyed with meaty pasta dishes. Polloni wines, which originate from Treviso, Italia, are noted for their fruity aroma that bears hints of peach, citrus, and apple flavors and the fragrance of white flowers. Whether you are looking to go for Mediterranean cuisine or you want to experiment with world cuisine, drops of olive oil in your salads and dishes can cast a spell on you not only in terms of taste and a general feel of goodness, but also in terms of the numerous health benefits that olive oil offers. A healthy meal is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day with your loved ones and to remind your mom that you too care for her the same way she has been doing for you.

In our previous post, we compared Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) with the butter, and we could see that the lipid profile of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best option for our health. In this article we will continue analyzing the properties and utilities of different fats. This time will be olive oil VS. sunflower oil, especially at the time of cooking. Did you know that when you are frying or cooking at a high temperature (close to 180ºC), the molecular structures of the fats and oils you use will change? The process is called oxidation: they react with oxygen in the air to form toxic compounds such as lipid aldehydes and peroxides. Observing the nutritional comparison of the olive oil and the sunflower, we see the same amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA), ‘the bad ones’. But there is a noticeable difference: olive oil contains more monounsaturated fatty acids (AGM) and more polyunsaturated sunflower (AGP). Olive oil· AGS: 13,5· AGM: 74· AGP: 8,4 Sunflower oil· AGS: 13,1· AGM: 32· AGP: 50 This difference in the composition of the fatty acids gives olive oil more stability when it is heated and more resistence in the oxidation process. As a conclusion of various scientific investigations, we can affirm that olive oil maintains nutritional quality and resist heat better than sunflower oil when heated, thus producing healthier foods that generate lower levels of lipid aldehydes and peroxides.

You are what you eat. What you eat does not only indicate your personal taste, behavioural characteristics, or cultural inheritance, but it also reflects your lifestyle and how conscious you are about maintaining a healthy diet. With brain being the chief controller of all your body’s activities and with brain being a chief contributor to your professional success, you may want to make sure that you include brain-power boosting foods in your diet. Here we have listed 5 top foods that are known to boost brain health and memory power: Fatty Fish Fatty, oily fishes are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Such acids are present as EPA and DHA- the active forms of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be easily absorbed by the body. Research reveals that people with low DHA levels are exposed to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and memory loss. On the other hand, people with adequate levels of EPA and DHA can manage stress better and have a good level of serotonin, a brain chemical that boosts mood. Fishes such as Salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, and herring are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts Details of a study distributed through the American Journal of Epidemiology reveal that people, particularly the seniors, may prevent cognitive decline by including vitamin E in their diet. Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashews, Hazel Nuts, and Pistachios are rich sources of vitamin E and you can add them in your oatmeal breakfast, as part of your favourite salads, or as taste-enhancers in your desserts. Broccoli Broccoli contains high amounts of vitamin K, which is known for its cognitive function-boosting effects. Additionally, research has revealed that broccoli contains high amounts of the compound called glucosinolates, which delay the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that supports the function of the central nervous system. As a matter of fact, people with low levels of acetylcholine have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s. Wine A Northumbria University research team is reviewing the impact of resveratrol, a type of natural phenol found in red wine, on blood circulation. The research team is of the opinion that resveratrol boosts blood flow to the brain, which, in turn, boosts mental function. A study was conducted with healthy volunteers belonging to the (18-35) age group and it was found that some participants demonstrated enhanced performance when their mental performance was examined. One glass of red wine during lunch or dinner will not only complement your favourite delicacies, but will also provide you with a promise of good health. Olive Oil The brain consumes 20 percent of the oxygen that you inhale every day. This is what makes it susceptible to the ill-effects of oxidation. Olive oil has a high content of polyphenols. The presence of more than 30 phenolic compounds makes olive oil a powerful agent to restrict the damaging effects of free radicals. Additionally, olive oil is a rich source of vitamins E and K, which are noted for their brain-power boosting impacts. Olive oil raises the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which are important brain -chemicals that promote the formation and repair of brain cells.

Many of you may have heard that it is better to consume extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) than butter. But … Exactly why? In this post, we will study the differences between both FAT and about the concrete benefits of EVOO vs. Butter. Currently there is no doubt on the fact that the quality of dietary fat is much more important than quantity and all the guidelines and recommendations advise a total fat margin of the diet between 20 and 35% of the daily energy. This concept is very important: The quality of fat has a profound influence on health. Let’s define what the quality of a FAT is! For this, different indices are used considering the different fatty acid families: · Saturated fatty acids (SFA). They only have simple links. They exist only in foods of animal origin such as butter and in some oils of vegetable origin such as coconut or palm. They are the least healthy if they are ingested in excess. · Polyunsaturated fatty acids (AGP). They have two or more double bonds. They exist in seed oils such as sunflower, soy … And in blue fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna. The consumption of it lowers the level of total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL). · Monounsaturated fatty acids (AGM). They have a double bond. They exist in the EVOO and in some nuts. They contribute to our organism and improve the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and diminish the LDL. Knowing that the extra virgin olive oil contains mostly monounsaturated fatty acids and that the fatty acids in butter are mainly saturated (Table 1) , we can already guess which fat is better for our health. The WHO recomends us to replace AGS with AGP or AGM to improve the lipid profile since consuming less AGS like those of buttermilk and replacing them with AGM in olive oil reduces cardiovascular risk and could help slow down the ‘epidemics’ of obesity, the metabolic syndrome and Type II Diabetes Mellitus in developing countries. In this battle between extra virgin olive oil and butter, the winner is clearly the olive oil, but this does not end here! In the following posts we will face the oil again with other fats.