The European Union regards Xylella fastidiosa as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria globally, leading to various diseases that significantly impact agriculture,” particularly through insect transmission. As the largest producer of olive oil in the world, the EU accounts for 73% of global output, with Spain alone contributing 56% of that supply. The next four leading olive oil-producing countries—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively yield only half of Spain’s annual production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In contrast, U.S. olive oil represents a mere 0.6% of Spain’s output.
Currently, there is hope that stringent European regulations regarding the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases of the disease will help curb its spread. Nevertheless, EU olive oil production is already facing challenges, as noted by the International Olive Council, which reported a 42% decline from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged nearly 80% during this period, a cost that has been passed on to consumers.
If these trends persist, it is likely that consumers will seek alternative healthy oils, such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp, all of which contain higher levels of polyunsaturated fats and lower levels of monounsaturated fats compared to olive oil. While polyunsaturated fats are known to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, monounsaturated fats are believed to be even more advantageous, as they also enhance HDL or “good” cholesterol levels.
Other oils rich in monounsaturated fats include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame. However, none of these oils has as high a content of monounsaturated fats as olive oil. Additionally, some options, like sesame oil, can be more costly and possess a stronger flavor than olive oil.
As people consider their health and dietary choices, they may also look into supplements like calcium citrate. Para que serve? This compound is often used to support bone health and improve calcium absorption, which can be beneficial for overall well-being. Thus, with the changing landscape of olive oil production and consumer preferences, the role of alternatives and supplements like calcium citrate will likely become more prominent.