Why we only use Terra Creta olive oil – and what that means for your health
If there's one superfood, it's olive oil.
In an Arte documentary about Mediterranean cuisine, a professor makes a remarkable statement: "I'm not really a fan of the word superfood. But if I had to name a single superfood, it would be olive oil."
That caught our attention. And the more we delved into the topic, the clearer it became: olive oil isn't just a fat. It's one of the most valuable foods there is – if you choose the right one.
At healmeal, we exclusively use Terra Creta Organic Olive Oil. Why? Because we don't compromise on fats. It's one of the most expensive raw materials we use – but also one of the most important.
What makes good olive oil so special?
Single-varietal purity is key
The most important point about olive oil: it should be single-varietal. This means it comes from a specific region and is not blended from accumulated leftover stocks from North Africa or various EU countries.
Terra Creta is 100% from Crete. Pure Cretan, purebred, so to speak. You don't just taste it – you also feel the health benefits.
Cheap supermarket olive oil is often a mix of different sources, sometimes even of inferior quality. With olive oil, it really makes sense to spend a little more money. It's one of the few things where you immediately notice the difference.
Polyphenols: The Secret Superpowers
Olive oil – especially high-quality oil like Terra Creta – is rich in polyphenols. But what exactly are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are secondary plant compounds with incredibly strong health benefits:
Anti-inflammatory: They lower chronic inflammation levels in the body. Chronic inflammation is at the root of many lifestyle diseases – from heart disease to Alzheimer's.
Protect your heart: Polyphenols keep your arteries young and elastic. They protect against oxidative stress and support vascular health.
Longevity Factor: Even biohackers like Bryan Johnson pay particular attention to the polyphenol content in their diet because it is so strongly linked to longevity.
Of course, there are olive oils with an even higher polyphenol content – but at some point, you'll pay an extra 50 euros for a perceived five percent more. That's only worth it if you're a multi-millionaire. Terra Creta offers a perfect balance of quality, polyphenol content, and price.
The Mediterranean Diet and the Blue Zones
People in Mediterranean regions – especially in Crete – consume around 50-80ml of olive oil daily. That sounds like a lot, right? But these regions are precisely among the so-called Blue Zones: places where people live to be exceptionally old and healthy.
Olive oil seems to play a key role here. It's not just a fat – it's a real health promoter.
If our team were to consider: "Which 10 foods would we choose if we were only allowed to eat 10?" – olive oil would definitely be among the top 3.
Fat-soluble vitamins: Why fat is so important
An often overlooked point: Fat is essential for absorbing certain vitamins.
There are four fat-soluble vitamins: E, D, K, A ( 기억 acronym "ADEK"). You can only absorb these vitamins if you consume fat with your meal.
If you then use the best fat – polyunsaturated, extra virgin organic olive oil – you not only support vitamin absorption but also provide your body with the health benefits of olive oil at the same time.
That's why at healmeal we have:
- High-quality nuts and seeds
- Plenty of olive oil
- No inferior fats
Healthy fats are the lubricant for your body. They are important for hormone production, cell health, and nutrient absorption.
The Fat Misconception: Fat Doesn't Make You Fat
For decades, we were told to reduce fat. Anti-fat diets were everywhere. But science today shows a different picture:
Healthy fats don't make you fat. On the contrary – polyunsaturated fats like those in olive oil are super healthy and important for your body.
Even with diabetes, it can be useful to use fat as the main energy source and reduce carbohydrates because fat is not insulin-effective.
Why we don't use sunflower or rapeseed oil
At healmeal you will find:
- No sunflower oil
- No rapeseed oil
- No avocado oil
Only the best olive oil. The reason? Inflammation levels and sustainability
Sunflower oil and many other vegetable oils have an unfavorable ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. This can promote inflammation in the body, especially when the oils are heated.
But wait – shouldn't you use olive oil for frying?
Good point! Olive oil has a lower smoke point than, for example, avocado oil. That's why at healmeal we use a pressure cooker. The olive oil is only added after cooking – this preserves all the valuable polyphenols and nutrients, and we don't have to fry anything.
Why no avocado oil?
Avocado oil would theoretically be good for frying (high smoke point), but:
- Water consumption: Avocados are a disaster in terms of water consumption.
- Transport: Avocados have to be flown in from far away (mostly from South America).
- Sustainability: Olive oil from the Mediterranean is significantly more environmentally friendly.
We care not only about your health but also about the health of our planet.
The Problem with Trans Fats
Trans fats are formed in two ways:
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Industrially: When vegetable oils are chemically hardened (e.g., in margarine, baked goods, processed foods)
-
During heating: When fat is reused too often – as is often the case in kebab shops or chip shops.
What do trans fats do to your body?
Trans fats are the main risk factor for heart disease in the Western world – and heart disease is the number one cause of death.
They:
- Increase bad LDL cholesterol
- Lower good HDL cholesterol
- Promote inflammation
- Accumulate in cell membranes and are difficult to break down
- Increase the risk of atherosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks
In Denmark, trans fats are now largely banned or subject to strict labeling requirements. And for good reason.
What can you do?
- Avoid processed foods: Most trans fats are found in ready-made products.
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Use good oils: Olive oil instead of sunflower oil or margarine.
- Exercise and sauna: Exercise keeps arteries clear, sauna helps with detoxification.
There is no "safe amount" when it comes to trans fats. Here, it really applies: Zero is the goal. Animal fats and plant-based foundation
An important note: If you want to do something for your cardiovascular system, it is often recommended to reduce animal proteins, dairy products, and animal fats – especially if you have an increased risk of stroke.
At healmeal, we are not radical vegan advocates. But we consciously chose a plant-based foundation:
No animal fats included as standard
Everyone can decide for themselves how much they want to supplement with animal products. healmeal is also suitable for people who need to pay particular attention to their heart (e.g., with diabetes).
The foundation is plant-based and heart-healthy – this gives you the freedom to decide for yourself.
Conclusion: Fat is not the enemy – it's about quality.
The most important points at a glance:
- Single-varietal olive oil is one of the healthiest fats in the world.
- Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects and protect your heart.
- Fat-soluble vitamins require fat for absorption.
- Healthy fats don't make you fat – they are essential for your body.
- Avoid trans fats – they are the main risk factor for heart disease.
- Quality over quantity – with olive oil, it's worth investing more.
At healmeal, we rely on the best: Terra Creta organic olive oil from Crete.
Not only because it tastes incredibly good and makes our dishes "juicy" – but above all, because it truly benefits your body in the long run.
If people in the Blue Zones become healthier and live longer thanks to olive oil – why shouldn't we do the same?
Ready for the power of real olive oil? Try healmeal and taste the difference. 🤍