The olive tree and its fruit, the olive, have a long history full of myths and legends. They have been and still are among Greece's most known symbols of worship and prosperity. In Ancient Greece the olive tree was so important that the Olympic Games winners were crowned with a chaplet made of olive tree branches. According to the Greek Mythology, the olive tree was given to the Athenians by the daughter of Zeus, Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. She planted the first olive tree on the Sacred Rock of Acropolis earning the right to protect the city of Athens. The most powerful ancient Greek city was named "Athena" (Athens) in honor of the Goddess.
Apart from been a great symbol, olive oil is one of the most important elements in the Mediterranean diet pyramid. It is used in salads, in cooking vegetables, legumes, fish and meat as well as in making delicious desserts. Olive paste is fantastic hors - d'oeuvre while cheese, peppers, sun dried tomatoes and other vegetables are preserved in jars of oil.
According to scientific evidence published by the International Olive Oil Council, 
olive oil's antioxidants have a protective effect against many different types of cancer. Olive oil is also beneficial on the heart preventing the serious cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, the coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. It's amazing beneficial characteristics go even further! A diet rich in olive oil helps to prevent or delay diabetes and osteoporosis and lowers the levels of total blood cholesterol and triglycerides. In fact olive oil can extend life expectancy.
All these benefits explain why the Mediterranean diet, which is based on the excessive consumption of olive oil, has become a model of healthy nutrition. Particularly in Crete olive oil seems to do wonders. The "Cretan Diet" based on the excessive consumption of Greek olive oil, vegetables and fruit, gives Cretans one of the longest life expectancy worldwide!
