Olive oil

The basis of the traditional Mediterranean diet. It reduces total cholesterol without affecting the good HDL cholesterol. It has potent antioxidant qualities, protecting the arteries by preventing bad LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized. It regulates high blood pressure and high blood glucose, and possesses anticancer qualities as well. Remember, try to use cold pressed virgin olive oil in salads, but even if you cook with it, olive oil is far more resistant to heat than other oils, which may readily become carcinogenic at high temperatures.