I recently was introduced to Michelle Spangler, who not long ago purchased the store EVOO & Vin, soon to be renamed Infused Oils & Vinegars, located in Dallas at 5225 Beltline Road. Michelle, like I, previously worked in the Corporate World. Several years ago she went back to Culinary School to become a chef, so we had a lot in common, as we both made career shifts and both have a love of food. Michelle is rebranding her store and I recently attended one of her classes to learn more about her products and how they can enhance your cooking. 

What I didn't expect, but was excited to find out, was all the heath benefits of the store's amazing oils and vinegars. Research done at the Miriam Hospital at Brown University show that people raised on diets that daily include about 2 tablespoons of a good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) have lower rates of most chronic diseases, such as less heart disease, cancers, arthritis and Type 2 diabetes. 

The oils sold at Infused Oils & Vinegars are rich in monosaturated fats, which do not oxidize.  Excessive oxidation, which tends to occur with other polyunsaturated fats, like those in vegetable oils, increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and general aging. The oils in Michelle's store contain phenols, which are antioxidants that lower oxidation. In fact in the store, Michelle carries a new category of oils known as Ultra Premium Olive Oil. These oils meet even higher standards than those needed to be labeled as Extra Virgin. All of these Ultra Premium Oils have a very high smoke point, lots of polyphenols (antioxidants), and low levels of free fatty acids which indicate a high quality olive, well handled with minimum time between harvesting and storage. Oxidation of DNA can initiate some cancers and EVOO with a high phenolic content such as that in the Ultra Premium Oils will decrease DNA oxidation, therefore lowering some cancer risks.

Some other health benefits of these oils include:

pain relief -  due to a substance called oleocanthal which has anti-inflammatory agents. 

mental agility - due to monounsaturated fat which can prevent or slow cognitive decline.     

strengthened immune system - due to the wide range of antioxidants in these olive oils which may help you become more resistant to infection . 

longer lasting weight loss - a diet rich in healthy oils may deliver greater and longer lasting weight loss results than a fat free diet. 

As far as the Vinegars, they are aged in barrels that have been in continuous use for long periods of time. Therefore, they contain very old strains of pro-biotics which have not been heat pasteurized and are are very beneficial for gut health. Supermarket vinegars are heat pasteurized to extend their shelf life. Additionally, because the skins and flesh of the grapes are all crushed to make these balsamics, unique phenols, minerals and vitamins are present along with the pro-biotic colony and since it is unpasteurized, it has so many more healthy benefits. 

Other benefits of these balsamic vinegars include:

heart health - balsamic vinegars are low in cholesterol and saturated fat, so substituting dressings that are high in cholesterol levels with a homemade balsamic vinegar dressing will improve heart health since unwanted fats won't be deposited in your blood vessels. 

cancer fighter - the grapes used in the formation of balsamic vinegar contain quercetin, which is a bioflavonoid with antioxidant properties. This strengthens your immune system and makes it easy to fight infections, inflammations and even cancer.

better digestion - Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols which stimulate the pepsin enzyme activity in your body. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins into amino acidds and help your intestines absorb amino acids, which makes it easy for your body to utilize, repair and build cells. 

From November 16-19 the store is having their grand reBranding launch with tastings, cocktails and cooking demos. Visit the website for times and to register for cooking demos. With over 50 varieties of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, they not only offer great tasting products but they show customers how to use them in everyday cooking. Perfect for the person who is Hungry For Health and Starved For Time.

Also, SAVE THE DATE: January 13th at 10 am, and January 14th at 3pm, at Infused Oils and Vinegars when I will be giving a book talk all about how to stay healthy even when you are busy. There will healthy treats to taste and you will learn ways to use the oils and vinegars in simple recipes and can sample all the flavors.

When you visit the store, tell Michelle that Suzy sent you. Not in Dallas, not a problem, check out their online products