Olive oil becomes less healthy after six months

Researchers at the University of Foggia in Italy have found that after three months of storage, extra-virgin olive oil loses none of its antioxidants, one of the qualities that makes olive oil so healthy. But after six months, oil loses about 40 percent of its antioxidants.

The Spartan Diet calls for the elimination of all concentrated oils from the diet except for low-acidity, extra virgin olive oil (and organic flax seed oil) that's as fresh as possible. Unfortunately, olives are harvested annually, so it's important to store olive oil properly in a ceramic or dark-glass container in a cool, dark place.