Nutrition Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the nutrition terms used throughout our olive oil, avocado, and Mediterranean diet guides.
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Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Foods associated with lower markers of chronic, low-grade inflammation linked to long-term disease risk.
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Blue Zone
A region with an unusually high concentration of people living to 100 or beyond, several of which follow Mediterranean-style eating patterns.
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The least processed grade of olive oil, extracted mechanically without heat or chemical solvents.
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LDL and HDL Cholesterol
The two main cholesterol markers used to assess heart disease risk: LDL ('bad') and HDL ('good').
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Mediterranean Diet
A plant-forward eating pattern built around olive oil, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fish, with limited red meat and processed food.
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Monounsaturated Fat
A type of dietary fat, liquid at room temperature, found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts, generally associated with improved cholesterol profiles.
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Oleic Acid
The primary monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil and avocados.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A family of polyunsaturated fats, found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseed, linked to heart and brain health.
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Polyphenols
Plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, found in high concentrations in extra virgin olive oil.
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Smoke Point
The temperature at which a cooking oil begins to break down and visibly smoke.