Olive Oil and your ❤

It has long been recognized that people who live in Mediterranean countries tend to enjoy better cardiovascular health than people living in other parts of the world. Significantly, the typical Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil and low in other forms of fat such as butter, lard margarine and vegetable oils.

It is now scientifically established that the antioxidant properties of olive oil reduce blood pressure and improve circulation, while boosting levels of the “good” cholesterol, reducing triglyceride levels and lowering the formation of plaque build-up in artery walls – all factors which help to keep arteries clear and healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Getting inspiration from traditional Italian food preparation methods, in which olive oil is used abundantly both to cook with, as well as to ‘dress’ foods, may therefore be an excellent way to ensure optimum cardiovascular health.

Here’s an easy recipe for Heart-Healthy Italian bruschetta:

• garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/3 cup  extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 pinch  chili peppers or 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 4 slices of thick whole grain bread

Directions

Slice the garlic cloves lengthwise into paper-thin slices.

Warm a small skillet over a medium flame.

Add the 1/3 cup olive oil and the garlic.

Stirring constantly, cook until the garlic is aromatic and golden (don’t let it brown, as it will be bitter).

Remove the skillet from the flame and stir in the chili or red pepper flakes and parsley.

Cover and set aside.

Grill the bread on both sides until lightly browned and crisp, then sprinkle with olive oil.

Spoon the garlic-olive oil mixture over each slice.

Serve immediately.