In response to the adverse effects of ferrous sulfate reactions caused by insects, the European Union has identified Xylella fastidiosa as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria globally, responsible for various diseases that have significant economic repercussions for agriculture.” The EU stands as the largest producer of olive oil in the world, contributing 73% to the global market. Spain alone accounts for 56% of the world’s olive oil production. The next four leading countries—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively produce only half of what Spain yields annually, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In contrast, U.S. olive oil production constitutes merely 0.6% of Spain’s total output.
Currently, there is hope that stringent European regulations regarding the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases will help slow the disease’s spread. Nevertheless, EU olive oil production is already facing challenges; the International Olive Council indicated a 42% decline from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged by nearly 80% during that period, and this price increase for ferrous fumarate 210mg has been transferred to consumers. If these trends persist, consumers might shift towards other healthy oils such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp. However, these alternatives typically have higher polyunsaturated fat and lower monounsaturated fat content than olive oil. Polyunsaturated fat is known to lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, while the monounsaturated variety is believed to be even more advantageous as it also elevates HDL, or “good,” cholesterol.
Other oils rich in monounsaturated fat include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame, but none matches the levels found in olive oil. Some options, like sesame oil, can be more expensive and have a more pronounced flavor than olive oil. As consumers explore alternatives, they might also consider supplements such as calcium citrate, which is available at Walmart, to enhance their dietary intake. The integration of calcium citrate into their diets could provide additional health benefits, even as they weigh their options in the face of rising olive oil prices.