What does “extra virgin” mean as it relates to olive oil?
Olive oil is considered to be extra virgin if it has been extracted from olives using a simple mechanical grinding and pressing process at low temperatures. The use of chemicals, solvents, or outside heat sources is not permitted. Additionally, extra virgin olive oils must meet strict sensory, acidity, and freshness parameters. An extra virgin olive oil must taste like fresh olives without flavor defects, and it must lack the “refined” flavor of lower quality olive oils.
What are the benefits of an omega-3 and extra virgin olive oil blend?
Both fish and olives are staples of the Mediterranean region and are strongly associated with the health benefits of a traditional Mediterranean diet. Extra virgin olive oil contains beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, which promote cardiovascular and cognitive health and support a healthy, normal inflammation response.
These polyphenols include oleocanthal, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol. The most important polyphenol found in extra virgin olive oil is oleocanthal. (It’s important to note that this compound isn’t typically found in significant concentrations in lower quality, refined olive oils.) Carlson chose high-quality, Greek extra virgin olive oil to ensure that optimal levels of olive polyphenols are present.
Fish oil provides the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which support heart, brain, vision, and joint health. The American Heart Association recommends we eat at least two 3.5-ounce servings of fatty fish per week to achieve optimal omega-3 levels. However, most of us don’t consume this amount of fish per week, so an omega-3 supplement may be a great option.
Olive Your Heart®, blends the health benefits of Greek extra virgin olive oil with Norwegian omega-3s for the optimal heart-smart combination.
These polyphenols include oleocanthal, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol. The most important polyphenol found in extra virgin olive oil is oleocanthal. (It’s important to note that this compound isn’t typically found in significant concentrations in lower quality, refined olive oils.) Carlson chose high-quality, Greek extra virgin olive oil to ensure that optimal levels of olive polyphenols are present.
Fish oil provides the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which support heart, brain, vision, and joint health. The American Heart Association recommends we eat at least two 3.5-ounce servings of fatty fish per week to achieve optimal omega-3 levels. However, most of us don’t consume this amount of fish per week, so an omega-3 supplement may be a great option.
Olive Your Heart®, blends the health benefits of Greek extra virgin olive oil with Norwegian omega-3s for the optimal heart-smart combination.
Why did you source the extra virgin olive oil in Olive Your Heart® from Crete?
Olive Your Heart® contains only Terra Creta extra virgin olive oil – one of the highest quality olive oils available. Terra Creta maintains complete traceability and the utmost purity. Every single batch of Terra Creta olive oil is tested for freshness, potency, and purity (just like Carlson omega-3 fish oils.)
Crete is one of the first regions where locals found a way to domesticate the wild olive trees during prehistoric periods. One of the oldest olive trees in the world is located on the island of create: Monumental Olive Tree of Vouces.
Cretan farmers have grown up with their family’s olive trees, and the land is passed down from generation to generation. A deep love for their land and a profound respect for their olive trees is the main reason Cretan farmers still cultivate their olive trees using traditional methods.
>> Learn More
Olive oil produced by more modern, super-intensive cultivation models adopted across other areas of the world does not meet our strict quality standards. These methods often use excessive heat and chemicals and stress the olive trees to produce a larger crop.
>> Learn More
Crete is one of the first regions where locals found a way to domesticate the wild olive trees during prehistoric periods. One of the oldest olive trees in the world is located on the island of create: Monumental Olive Tree of Vouces.
Cretan farmers have grown up with their family’s olive trees, and the land is passed down from generation to generation. A deep love for their land and a profound respect for their olive trees is the main reason Cretan farmers still cultivate their olive trees using traditional methods.
>> Learn More
Olive oil produced by more modern, super-intensive cultivation models adopted across other areas of the world does not meet our strict quality standards. These methods often use excessive heat and chemicals and stress the olive trees to produce a larger crop.
>> Learn More
Why did you source the fish oil in Olive Your Heart® from Norway?
Carlson has sourced the highest quality omega-3 oils from Norway since 1982. Fish oils are a major staple of the Norwegian diet and have been part of their culture for many generations. As a result, they’ve perfected the purification and manufacturing of high-quality omega-3 fish oils. To further ensure maximum freshness, all Carlson fish oils are tested by an FDA-registered laboratory for freshness, potency, and purity.
Will Olive Your Heart® stay fresh if I leave it out of the refrigerator?
Olive Your Heart® contains delicate omega-3 fatty acids and olive polyphenols that will begin to degrade once exposed to oxygen, heat, and light. We recommend refrigerated Olive Your Heart after opening. However, storage outside of the refrigerator for up to five or 10 days will have minimal impact on the overall quality of the oil. Longer storage at room temperature is not recommended.
Will Olive Your Heart® solidify if placed in the refrigerator?
Olive Your Heart® may solidify when refrigerated for an extended period of time. This is completely normal, and is a result of the natural fatty acids found in fish oil and olive oil reaching their freezing point. Solidification can be reversed by leaving the oil at room temperature until it clears (about 15 minutes), or running the sealed bottle under warm water for 30 to 60 seconds. Return the bottle to your refrigerator after use for maximum freshness.
Why do I feel a burn in the back of my throat when I consume olive oil?
True extra virgin olive oil is rich in an important polyphenol found only in olives, called oleocanthal. This healthy natural ingredient is arguably the single most important compound found in extra virgin olive oils, and all true extra virgin olive oils contain significant oleocanthal levels. One of the easiest methods of ensuring the extra virgin quality of an olive oil is to experience this tingling, or burning sensation, in the back of the throat.
Can Olive Your Heart® be heated?
Although extra virgin olive oil alone makes an acceptable cooking oil, fish oils do not due their high EPA and DHA content, which are readily damaged by heat. Olive Your Heart® should not be used as a cooking or frying oil, and is best consumed at room temperature or colder. However, Olive Your Heart® may be poured over prepared cooked foods and consumed immediately if desired.
Olive Your Heart® can be taken directly from the spoon or incorporated into a meal:
>> View Olive Your Heart® recipes here
Olive Your Heart® can be taken directly from the spoon or incorporated into a meal:
- Drizzle it over a salad
- Use it as a healthy bread dip
- Pour it over cooked vegetables
- Stir it into a pasta dish
- Mix up a finishing sauce for meat or fish
>> View Olive Your Heart® recipes here
HAVE A question AND don't IT see here?
Contact us at oliveyourheart@carlsonlabs.com.