Olive oil is heavily used in the Mediterranean Diet and contributes to the healthy lifestyle that the Europeans lead. Many European and Mediterranean countries consume high amounts of olive oil daily, which may be a prime reason why these countries have lower levels of heart disease among people. Olive oil is one of the best sources of healthy, monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are considered to be one of the healthiest fats, keeping your heart healthy. Monounsaturated fats are believed to help lower cholesterol and heart disease while also being a potent antioxidant. According to the FDA, consuming 2 tablespoons of olive oil a day may reduce your risk of heart disease and this healthy fat contributes to muscle growth and the torching of fat. That's right! You can actually get lean by consuming certain fats like the ones in olive oil because of its tremendous health benefits. It is one of the healthiest things you could consume and you could put it on nearly anything (bread, pasta, etc).  Studies have confirmed over and over again that one can consume as much olive oil as desired without gaining an ounce of fat. It is almost like a paradox in which your body treats this particular fat for beneficial purposes. Try to get the “extra-virgin” cold-pressed kind because they are the most pure, have more antioxidants, and taste better.