Product Description
From ancient times to present-day, olive oil has been used for everything from health ailments to beauty and the home and so much more. Now evidence shows that a diet based on olive oil can add years toy our life and may even prevent some diseases. Health author-journalist Cal Orey has consulted top doctors, nutritionists, olive oil producers, and chefs, getting the most up-to-date information on the many benefits of olive oil, such as: relieving arthritis aches; inhibiting breast and colon cancer; preventing diabetes; reducing pain; staving off ulcers; and, fighting impaired memory. It also includes dozens of delicious recipes that make olive oil a vital part of a long and healthy life!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 13 reviews)

Great source of information

This book is very well written and easy to understand. It has a wealth of information about Olive oil - for almost anything you want (even how to use it in making dog biscuits - why shouldn't your dogs be healthy too!). The only part of this book I took exception to is at the start where she explains about Wicca being just like the Charmed show. Its a big turnoff for me - because that statemetnt is simply not true - but I suppose she is trying to cater to the masses.

However, the other information in the book is excellent. It also has a list of sources to get gourmet olive oils - which I will try. Oils bought from gourmet specialty sources tend to be better than regular gourmet oils at the supermarket. I have done that recently with salts and noticed a significant difference in the quality of the product.

Also there is a section on creating Oils for health - but mainly it covers edible oils and ways you can used flavored oils. Olive oil is an excellent oil base for all types of herbal blended, infused oils and massage oils - there is almost nothing on this subject in the book at all. I guess the line has to be drawn somewhere as to how much information you can fit in one book =)

If you are looking for a well written and easy to understand book on the more basic healthful benefits of Olive Oil - this is a great starter book. If you are looking for more advanced reading, this book may be too basic for you. All in all - I enjoyed it - its definately worth the price.
October 23, 2008

Highly recommended!

This is a well-written, interesting, and extremely informative book. I've used olive oil before, but never knew much about it. I didn't know the differences between the varieties, only that extra virgin oil costs more, and so it must be better. Cal not only explained the difference between the varieties and how they're made, but also the history of the oil itself, and she does so in such an entertaining way. Neither did I know how heart-and-body healthy it really was. She explains this in detail, and presents numerous ways in which it to gain the most benefit from it, along with a variety of recipes, even how to substitute it for use it in cookies and cakes!

I was also surprised and intrigued to find olive oil has so many possible uses outside of the kitchen, too. Cal gives some excellent ideas, which range from using it as a substitute for those costly body/beauty-care products (who wants to pay $25 for a miniscule jar of wrinkle cream?) to innovative ways to use it around the house. I HIGHLY recommend this book - to anyone who uses olive oil on a regular basis, you will definitely learn something new- but *especially* to those who don't. You have NO idea what you're missing!
October 10, 2008

Disappointed

I was very disappointed with this book. It may be fine for those who actually believe that the medical profession knows what health is, but I don't. Cal Orey is apparently known as a health expert, but I am apalled at how little she actually knows about health. Yes, olive oil is a very healthy food, and it has many, many uses. However, I learned more about uses for olive oil by just doing a google search than I have from her book. If you really want to know about getting well and staying well, read "Nourishing Traditions," by Sally Fallon.
July 27, 2008

olive oil explained

This book has lots of great tips on what can be done with olive oil. Up 'til now, I've only used it in cooking and for splashing on salads. Very interested to start using it for other things, such as helping my dry hair and softening hands. But of course will also be keeping this book in the kitchen so I can have all the recipes handy! I had not known before that olive oil would be good for baking until reading this book. Every time I pick it up, I find something new in it, so it is worth keeping somewhere it can be often referenced. Definitely a must for someone looking for natural cures and wants to learn more about what olive oil can do!
July 20, 2008

Olive Oil Rocks!

We've all heard that "food is the best medicine", and I've experienced the positive results of managing my health with carefully selected food choices for years, but as the owner of a city library's worth of books, and shelves expressly related to natural health, my first thought was `do I need another book on natural healing?'

The answer was a definitive `yes' as soon as I began to explore Cal's creative exploration of olive oil.

The first thing that struck a chord with me is the very personable style in which she communicates her experience and knowledge. This is your best friend sharing inside secrets and recipes. You can `drop in' anywhere and read a cool tidbit! And I love the Resource Guide in the back!

Because even the best resources can be a little bit better, I'd love to see Cal add a true Index in the back in the next printing or version. That way if a friend mentions a current health issue, I can check the back and locate just the right passage for insight.

All in all an excellent book and one well worth purchasing!

May 27, 2008

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