Spread by insects, Xylella fastidiosa is regarded by the European Union as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide, causing a variety of diseases that significantly impact agriculture.” The EU is the leading producer of olive oil globally, contributing to 73% of total production. Spain alone accounts for 56% of the world’s olive oil supply. The next four highest-producing countries—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively yield only half of what Spain produces annually, 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 olive oil output.
Currently, there is hope that strict European regulations mandating the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases of the disease will help curb its spread. Nevertheless, olive oil production in the EU is already facing challenges, having dropped by 42% from 2014 to 2015, as reported by the International Olive Council. Consequently, producer prices surged nearly 80% during this timeframe, with these increased costs being passed on to consumers.
If these trends persist, it is likely that consumers will begin to seek alternatives, such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp oil, which, while healthy, contain higher levels of polyunsaturated fats and lower levels of monounsaturated fats compared to olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are known for reducing LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, whereas monounsaturated fats are believed to be even more advantageous, as they can also elevate HDL, or “good,” cholesterol levels. Other oils rich in monounsaturated fats include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame oil, although none matches the monounsaturated fat content of olive oil. Some, like sesame oil, tend to be pricier and have a more robust flavor than olive oil.
In this context, health-conscious consumers might consider supplements such as rainbow light calcium citrate for additional nutritional benefits. However, it’s essential to remember that these alternatives may not provide the same health advantages as olive oil, particularly in terms of heart health. Thus, maintaining a diverse array of healthy oils in one’s diet, while being mindful of their nutritional compositions, is crucial for overall well-being.