Major
components
of
the
phenolic
fraction
of
olive
oil,
lignans
and
inoresinols
are
potent
antioxidants
present
in
extra
virgin
(first
pressed)
oils.
Containing
vitamins
E
and
F,
other
antioxidant
compounds,
foods
containing
high
amounts
of
lignan
precursors
may
be
protective
against
breast,
colon,
and
prostate
cancer,
as
well
as
heart
diseases.
Used
mainly
in
cooking
today,
olive
oil
has
been
used
for
medicines and in cosmetics.