Whether in Rome or at home, do as the Romans do: Make olive oil a staple. If you already eat the Mediterranean way, you know that the oil not only tastes good but that it is good for you. It's an amazing source of antioxidants, capable of dousing inflammation, defending cells from menacing molecules, and more. Here's the latest on this superhero food.

Olive oil's cancer-preventing powers are lab legends.

Polyphenols, for one -- these potent plant antioxidants protect against cancer-causing cell damage.

Check the lower rates of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer among Southern Europeans

Olive oil ups good HDL cholesterol, lowers bad LDL, and reduces other harmful blood fats (triglycerides).

It contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that, like ibuprofen, blocks pain-producing and inflammatory substances -- but without the risk of stomach upset