Health begins at the source —Woodpecker Trail Olive farm

 At Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm, we believe great olive oil begins with the land — and its benefits extend far beyond the kitchen. Modern research now confirms what Mediterranean cultures have practiced for thousands of years: high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a cornerstone of long-term health.

Chronic inflammation is a major driver of many serious diseases. According to Mayo Clinic cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky, inflammation plays a central role in heart disease — the leading cause of death in the United States.

Extra virgin olive oil contains naturally occurring phenolic compounds that help reduce inflammation, supporting overall cardiovascular health and helping protect the body from inflammation-driven conditions such as:

• Heart disease
   
• Alzheimer’s disease
   
• Arthritis
   
• Dementia
   
• Atrial fibrillation
   

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Beyond reducing inflammation, EVOO plays an important role in maintaining healthy blood vessels. Research highlighted by Mayo Clinic shows that olive oil supports the endothelium, the delicate lining of the arteries.

This helps:

• Increase nitric oxide availability
   
• Improve blood vessel dilation
   
• Lower blood pressure
   
• Enhance healthy blood flow
   

Together, these effects contribute to a stronger, more resilient cardiovascular system.

Emerging research also shows that extra virgin olive oil positively influences the gut microbiome — the diverse community of microorganisms in the digestive tract where much of the immune system resides.

This “whole-body” benefit reinforces EVOO’s role not just as a fat, but as a functional food that supports immune health and metabolic balance.

Not all oils are created equal.

Many common seed oils (canola, sunflower, safflower, corn) undergo chemical refining to remove odors and extend shelf life. True extra virgin olive oil is different.

As Dr. Kopecky notes:

“What you get out of the olive is what they put in the bottle.”

This minimal processing preserves EVOO’s naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds — giving it a clear advantage over refined oils.