New Study Touting Benefits of Olive Oil








The New England Journal of Medicine released a study on February 25, 2013 showing dramatic reduction of cardiovascular events in people consuming a diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil. A total of 7447 persons were enrolled in this study (age range 55-80 years) . Among persons with high cardiovascular risk, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with fresh extra virgin olive oil reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events (30% reduction).

Mediterranean Barley Salad

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup barley
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, chopped & pitted
1/2 cucumber or zucchini, chopped
red onion, diced
2/3 cup chopped parsley
cherry tomatoes, halved
avocado, chopped
feta cheese crumbles
Optional:
blanched, fresh broccoli florets
blanched, fresh cauliflower
cilantro, chopped
garbanzo beans
Dressing: 
1 cup The Spicy Olive’s organic Persian Lime or Cilantro and Onion olive oil
1/3 cup The Spicy Olive’s Honey Ginger white balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon dijon mustard or Roasted Garlic and Champagne(at The Spicy Olive)
salt and pepper to taste
Bring broth to boil in a medium saucepan. Add oil, barley and salt. Cover and cook until barley is tender, 30 minutes or 10 minutes for quick barley. Drain any excess liquid and allow barley to cool. 
Whisk salad dressing ingredients together. Toss cooled barley together with vegetables. Add salad dressing and serve!