7. Adding just two tablespoons of OLIVE OIL each day can improve
blood vessel function.
The addition of a small amount of olive oil to the diet appears to
improve endothelial function according to a new study by U.S. and
Italian researchers
ENDOTHELIUM
8. New research shows that adding OLIVE OIL to the diet may
help preserve bone. The study to be published in the Journal of
Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that consumption
of olive oil for 2 years resulted in an increase of osteocalcin in
the bone. Osteocalcin is a protein found in the bone that is
involved in its mineralization and is often used as a biochemical
marker for bone formation.
Previous research has found associations between OLIVE OIL
AND OSTEOPOROSIS but they were mainly experimental, this
is the first study that examined the effect of olive oil on
circulating osteocalcin in humans.
OSTEOCALCIN
9. HIV
Research carried out at the Carlos III Institute in Spain has
led to the development of a novel molecule from
hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant found in olives. It is
hoped that the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties
of the new molecule will act as a microbicide to reduce the
transmission of HIV
10. Olive Oil Beneficial During Fertility Treatment - IVF
While research has shown that the consumption of OLIVE OIL
protects from various chronic diseases, a new study from the
Harvard School of Public Health has found a positive
association association between good fats and positive
outcomes in women having In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
11. Dress Your Salad in Olive Oil to Get the Most Nutrients
A new study from Purdue University showed that OLIVE OIL might
be the best choice of salad dressing when it comes to absorbing
nutrients from the vegetables. It appears that monounsaturated fats
provide the most efficient absorption of carotenoids, pigments with
antioxidant activity present in vegetables and fruit.
12. Add Olive Oil, Live Longer
While we know that OLIVE OIL can protect from various chronic
diseases, there isn‘t much research on its association with mortality. In
other words can the consumption of olive oil reduce the risk of death?
Spanish researchers set out to answer this question by examining the
association between olive oil and mortality in the Spanish population
with over 40,000 participants
13. New Olive Oil Product Treats Pressure Ulcers in
High Risk Patients
The study was originally intended to investigate and evaluate the
effectiveness of extra virgin olive oil in the prevention of pressure ulcers,
a technique that is common in traditional medicine. It was found that the
fatty acids present in extra virgin olive oil encourage regeneration of the
skin, in addition to increasing its hydration, elasticity and strength.
The oil was also found to reduce skin breakdown and therefore offer
protection to areas of skin that were subjected to long periods of friction
or pressure, such as is often present in patients who are confined to
wheelchairs or bedridden.
14. Potential for Parkinson’s Treatment from
Olive Oil Waste
Olive pomace, the OLIVE OIL byproduct known in Spain as alperujo,
has recently been used to synthesize powerful antioxidant molecules
with a potential application in the treatment of Parkinson‘s disease
15. Mediterranean Diet with Exercise Ideal for
Metabolic Syndrome
Previous research has shown that a Mediterranean style diet, rich in
OLIVE, fruits, vegetables, and legumes can protect from metabolic
syndrome, a group of risk factors that increase the risk of heart
disease, diabetes and stroke. Exercise also has beneficial effects for
this particular syndrome.
16. Tomatoes and Olive Oil May Reduce
Impotence
A daily dose of extra virgin olive oil combined with lycopene from
tomatoes improved the sex lives of a group of Spanish men, the
Madrid Urological Institute reported
17. Olive Oil, Beans and Fish Protect
from Breast Cancer
Science shows that certain lifestyle factors including diet
can decrease breast cancer risk. In regards to diet,
previous research points to the protective effect of a
plant based diet similar to the Mediterranean diet.
18. Eating Olive Oil Might Help You Remember
Why You Should
According to a new study published in the Journals of Neurology,
monounsaturated fats, the ―good‖ fats found in high amounts in OLIVE
OIL, were associated with better cognitive function and memory, while
saturated fats, the harmful fats found in animal fats such as butter, were
associated with worse overall cognitive function and memory.
19. Study Finds Benefits of Olive Oil and
Albumin for Treatment of Spinal Injuries
Recent research carried out at the National Hospital of Paraplegics in
Toledo, Spain, has shown promising effects of a component of
OLIVE OIL in combination with albumin in the treatment of some
spinal injuries.
Oleic Acid molecules, extracted from olive oil and the main
protein in blood have demonstrated potential uses in pain relief and
recovery from spinal trauma in animal models
20. Olive oil can reduce the risk of heart
attacks and stroke
In our thirties and forties many of us, exposed to the western
lifestyle (limited physical activity, processed and fast food loaded with
salt and saturated and trans fats, and high-glycemic index snacks such as
cookies, desserts, candies) harbor shallow cholesterol plaques in our
coronary arteries. The slow time line of ―atherosclerosis‖ (cholesterol
plaque buildup in the wall of the arteries) can be suddenly and
unpredictably punctuated by a ―crisis‖ caused by an instability of the
plaque. .
21. Either a ―crack‖ or ―fissure‖ forms on its surface or a small ―bleed‖
takes place inside the plaque. The unstable plaque then prompts the
flowing blood to form a clot at the plaque site because the blood
interprets the unstable plaque situation as ―bleeding‖ and it responds
the way it is programmed to: by forming a clot.
Prime risk factors for both plaque development (atherosclerosis) and
plaque instability with clot formation (atherothrombosis) • Metabolic
Syndrome
are:
• Smoking
• Genetic profile
• Aging process
Olive oil can reduce the risk of heart
attacks and stroke
22. Michelle Obama Awarded a 1,400 Year-Old Olive Tree
The U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama will receive a special ―award‖
on the occasion of the next Med-Italian Diet Festival to be held in
Lecce, in Southern Italy, from the 24th to the 27th of May: she will
become the honorary owner of ―La Regina‖ (The Queen), a huge
1,400 year-old olive tree located in Salento, in Apulia.
Mrs. Obama will receive the award for her strong commitment to
promote a healthy diet and the Mediterranean lifestyle in the U.S.,
particularly among young people. She not only helps spread the
message through the public campaign ‗Let‘s Move!‘, but the First
Lady also sets a good example at home, personally caring for the
White House‘s vegetable garden she created.
23. Three Ways to Live 120 Years
Jeanne Calment was born in 1875. She had one daughter with her husband Fernand Nicolas Calment,
and they all lived in Arles, France.
Mariam Amash was born in 1888. She has 10 sons, 1 daughter, 120 grandchildren and 250 great-
grandchildren. Amash currently lives in Jisr az-Zarqa, Israel.
There are two things that these women have in common. They lived past the age of 120 and both have
attributed their longevity and youthfulness to OLIVE OIL.
For centuries, olive oil has been highly regarded for its nutritional, medicinal and cosmetic value.
According to Calment and Amash, additional attributes are longevity and the enhancement of aesthetic
beauty.
Perhaps living to the age of 120 is not a goal that all aspire to achieve. However, living a reasonably
long and healthy life while appearing youthful doing so is something most of us deem quite desirable.
Calment and Amash have tapped into the olive oil ‘fountain of youth’ and they’ve shared their
regimen.
24. Olive Oil Diet Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Traditionally a low fat diet has been prescribed to prevent various diseases such
as heart disease and diabetes. While studies have shown that high fat diets may
increase the risk of certain diseases such as cancer and diabetes, it appears that it
is the type of fat that counts rather than the amount of fat. We now know that a
diet rich in monounsaturated fats such as the ones found in olive oil, nuts and
seeds actually protects from many of these chronic diseases.
A recent Spanish study published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care showed
that a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil reduces the risk of type II
diabetes by almost 50 percent compared to a low fat diet. Type II diabetes is the
most common and preventable form of diabetes.
Individuals who are obese or overweight and have metabolic syndrome are at
highest risk for developing this form of diabetes. The study is part of
PREDIMED, a long-term nutritional intervention study aimed to assess the
efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in the primary prevention of cardiovascular
diseases, and is composed of a multidisciplinary team of 16 groups distributed
in 7 autonomous communities in Spain.
25. Two Tablespoons of High Quality Olive Oil Every Day
Help Protect the Heart
Olive oil is known as one of the best sources of monounsaturated fatty acids, a type
of fat that has been shown to improve blood cholesterol levels. It was
thought that the protective qualities of olive oil were due mainly to the presence of
this type of fat, however new research shows that its antioxidant content is equally
important. According to new data published in Clinical Nutrition, daily doses of olive
oil that is rich in polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) may protect from atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries).
The olive oils that were administered included refined olive oil, which
had a low polyphenol content, common olive oil, which had a
medium polyphenol content and virgin, which had high polyphenol
content. The results showed that the consumption of polyphenol rich
olive oil increased the levels of an antibody that reduces levels of
oxidized LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and is considered a risk
factor of artery hardening and heart disease.
26. Olive Oil Joins the Fight Against Osteoporosis
Olive oil supplementation proved to be beneficial and was found to
both attenuate these changes and to positively affect the thickness of
bones.
Diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy bones for which it
is important to eat foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D, as well as
those containing minerals including: phosphorus, magnesium, zinc,
boron, iron, fluoride, and copper.
Doctors often recommend foods such as nuts, seeds, beans, and
grains to improve mineral levels, while cod liver oil and fish such as
tuna and salmon are considered to be good sources of Vitamin D.
When it comes to improving levels of calcium, dairy products like
yogurt, cheese, and fortified milk are very often recommended but
olive oil can also be a good source. In one cup (216mg), olive oil
contains 2.2mg of Calcium, as well as necessary minerals such as
Iron (1.2mg), Potassium (2.2mg), and sodium (4.3mg).
27. Diet with Olive Oil Can Reduce Heart Risks, and Weight, Research Shows
According to a review of 50 studies with over one half million
participants published in the Journal of The American College
of Cardiology, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated
with reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. The term metabolic
syndrome refers to a group of risk factors that increase the risk
of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Some factors include high
blood pressure, low levels of the good HDL cholesterol and
high blood sugar levels.
28. One Answer to Health Crisis in
India: Olive Oil
Twenty-first Century science and technology have ushered in
many improvements in the way people live and work and go
about their daily life. Medical science has also through
research found cures for many diseases and some have been
eliminated totally through extensive immunization and other
preventive measures. But the modern urban lifestyle appears
to have given birth to a slew of health problems, like heart
disease, diabetes, stress and others, that are now the primary
causes of people dying before their time.
29. Pitching an Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Kids
As dieticians and
nutritionists continue
to extol the various
benefits of long-term
olive oil consumption
present in the
Mediterranean diet,
the Spanish
Association of
Pediatrics has taken
this recommendation
one step further by
advocating the
addition of 3-6
teaspoons of extra
virgin olive oil in the
food of infants as
young as 6 months
old.
30. TEN POWERFUL REASONS TO ADD IT TO THE MENU
1 It tastes good
pleasure — one of the best reasons
to do anything. Olive oil just tastes
good. Extra-virgin olive oils range
in from delicate to robust and more
people are discovering their
interesting taste characteristics.
31. TEN POWERFUL REASONS TO ADD IT TO THE MENU
2 .It can help you lose weight
It appears that monounsaturated fats, the kind found in olive oil,
when replacing saturated fats, may encourage weight loss. Olive oil
consumption has been shown to breakdown fats inside fat cells, get
rid of belly fat and reduce insulin insensitivity
3 .You may live longer
Because it is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants,
olive oil has been shown to help prevent or lessen the effects of
cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer as
well as a host of other illnesses and conditions.
32. TEN POWERFUL REASONS TO ADD IT TO THE MENU
4 .You might get smarter
Studies have shown that diets rich in
monounsaturated fat (the sort of fat in olive oil)
can prevent the cognitive decline associated with
aging and in diseases like Alzheimer‘s
5. You will glow from inside out
Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, K and E, which
help protect against free radicals and cell
oxidation which can lead to premature aging.
Some of the best beauty benefits of olive oil come
from the inside out.
33. TEN POWERFUL REASONS TO ADD IT TO THE MENU
6 .Your children may be born healthier
Studies have shown that the consumption of olive oil during
pregnancy can improve a child‘s psychomotor reflexes and
give them other developmental advantages
7 .You will feel less pain
Olive oil can act as a natural Ibuprofen. It contains oleocanthal,
a substance with anti-inflammatory agents.
8. You will have more energy
Your circulation will improve and you‘ll be able to breath easier.
Olive Oil can increase blood flow and help lessen the effects of
illnesses such as asthma through its anti-inflammatory
properties.
34. TEN POWERFUL REASONS TO ADD IT TO THE MENU
8. You will have more energy
Your circulation will improve and you‘ll be able to breath easier.
Olive Oil can increase blood flow and help lessen the effects of
illnesses such as asthma through its anti-inflammatory properties.
9 .You may be more resistant to infection
Olive oil contains high levels of antioxidants, including
polyphenols, vitamins E, chlorophyll and carotenoids. Antioxidants
are key to strengthening the immune system and protecting the
body.
35. TEN POWERFUL REASONS TO ADD IT TO THE MENU
10. You could be having better sex.
Almost as important as the fact that it tastes good, olive oil
may improve your sex life. Olive oil, in conjunction with
Omega 3s have been shown to improve circulation, a key
factor in achieving erections and reaching orgasm for both
women and men
36. Olive Oil Protects Against Ulcers
“Oleic acid seems to help prevent the development of
ulcerative colitis by blocking chemicals in the bowel
that aggravate the inflammation found in this illness,”
Dr. Andrew Hart with UEA’s School of Medicine was
quoted as saying.
Researchers say that half of the cases of ulcerative colitis
could have been prevented if larger intakes of oleic acid
were consumed.
“Two to three tablespoons of olive oil per day would have a
protective effect,” said Dr. Hart.
37. Cancer fighting properties of Olive Oil
Scientists have long suspected Mediterranean diets of helping to
reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer.
Recent research, published in the BMC Cancer journal, may shed
more light on how the phytochemicals present in high-quality
extra-virgin olive oil can reduce cancer risk
Extra-virgin olive oil contains more of the cancer-fighting
phytochemicals because it is less processed than other olive oil
varieties.
38. New Olive Oil Brands Find Space in Indian Edible Oils Market
Indian olives will be in high demand in India as well as for export to
other countries once these upcoming plantations begin to produce. A
standard for olive oil is very necessary in India, both for import and
production
The Indian olive oil market pegged at Rs 52 Crores until 2006, is
now at Rs. 380 Crores. With this expected boom to reach Rs. 550
Crores by the end of 2012 and as per the Indian Olive Association
hopes to reach 2,5000 MT in 2020, international olive oil
manufacturers and producers are planning their early entry into the
Indian market. For sure ―NOW‖ Is the best time to invest in
plantations, especially for the new brands which want to gain
prominence.
39. Benefits of Olive Oil
The health benefits of olive oil are extensive with new positive
attributes discovered all the time.
One prominent cardiologist recommends at least
two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil each day to enjoy the
many ways olive oil can be beneficial to your health and well
being.
40. Cancer: The phytonutrient in olive oil, oleocanthal, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing
inflammation, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. Squalene and lignans
are among the other olive oil components being studied for their possible effects on cancer.
Heart Disease: Olive oil helps lower levels of blood cholesterol leading to heart disease.
Oxidative Stress: Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E, long thought to minimize
cancer risk. Among plant oils, olive oil is the highest in monounsaturated fat, which doesn’t oxidize in
the body, and it’s low in polyunsaturated fat, the kind that does oxidize.
Blood Pressure: Recent studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease
both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Diabetes: It has been demonstrated that a diet that is rich in olive oil, low in saturated fats,
moderately rich in carbohydrates and soluble fiber from fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains is the most
effective approach for diabetics. It helps lower “bad” low-density lipoproteins while improving blood
sugar control and enhances insulin sensitivity.
Obesity: Although high in calories, olive oil has shown to help reduce levels of obesity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Although the reasons are still not fully clear, recent studies have proved that
people with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatiod arthritis.
Osteoporosis: A high consumption of olive oil appears to improve bone mineralization and
calcification. It helps calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and
in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis
41. Olive Oil Diet Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Traditionally a low fat diet has been prescribed to prevent various
diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. While studies have shown
that high fat diets may increase the risk of certain diseases such as
cancer and diabetes, it appears that it is the type of fat that counts
rather than the amount of fat. We now know that a diet rich in
monounsaturated fats such as the ones found in olive oil, nuts and
seeds actually protects from many of these chronic diseases.
A recent Spanish study published in the scientific journal Diabetes
Care showed that a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil reduces
the risk of type II diabetes by almost 50 percent compared to a low fat
diet. Type II diabetes is the most common and preventable form of
diabetes.
42. Olive Oil Keeps the Heart Young
A diet rich in olive oil may be able to slow down the aging of the heart. It is a
known fact that as we grow older the heart also goes through a normal aging
process. The arteries may not function as well as they did and this can lead to a
number of health problems. However, in a recent study, Spanish researchers from
the Lipids and Atherosclerosis Research Unit of the Reina Sofia University
Hospital in Cordoba, discovered that a diet rich in olive oil or other
monounsaturated fats could improve the arterial function of elderly individuals.
The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared the
effect of a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil with that of a low fat high
carbohydrate diet and a diet rich in saturated fats and concluded that the diet rich
in olive oil resulted in the reduction of endothelial damage and dysfunction
43. Olive Oil Found to Help Prevent Skin Cancer
A study conducted by Dr. Niva Shapira from Tel Aviv University
in Israel and Bob Kuklinski of Rockstock University in Germany
found that olive oil, along with other components of
a Mediterranean diet, may contribute to the prevention of
malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma, which is the most
dangerous type of skin cancer, may be slowed down by
consumption of olive oil, which is rich in antioxidants.
The research showed that the body develops a resistance to
the damaging rays of the sun due to carotenoids. Carotenoids
are the color pigments found in fruits and vegetables such as
watermelons, tomatoes, pumpkins and carrots. Olive oil has
also been found to protect the skin against the damaging
effects of UV rays.
44. Olive Oil Protects Against Breast Cancer
Researchers decoded a complete cascade of signals within breast tumor cells
activated by virgin olive oil, and concluded that benefits include
decrease in the activity of the oncogene p21Ras, changes in protein
signaling pathways, stimulation of tumor cell death and prevention of
DNA damage. The study was carried out in an experimental model and
researchers have already begun a new study with human cell lines.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Western countries. Research
carried out with animal models demonstrate that a diet rich in fats is directly
related to the incidence of cancer. Some types of fats however can play a
protective role against the development of these tumors. Such is the case of
virgin olive oil, rich in oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fatty acid, and containing
several bioactive compounds such as antioxidants. A moderate and regular
intake of virgin olive oil, characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, is associated
with low incidences of specific types of cancer, including breast cancer, as well as
with having a protective role against coronary diseases and other health
problems
45. India’s Health Issues
These alarming projections make the consumption of olive oil
all the more important and the key focus should be on
availability and price. The high price of imported olive oil
makes it inaccessible to the majority of the population and
local cultivation is one way to bring the prices down to an
affordable level.
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants and
vitamin E and is claimed to have a significant effect on
cholesterol. Using olive oil as a cooking medium can lower
blood pressure and prevent risk of heart attacks. There are
numerous other benefits of olive oil making it a vital
addition in a healthy diet and India’s CVD and diabetes
issues can certainly be mitigated with this heart-healthy
cooking medium.
46. India’s Olive Oil Imports Up By Half
India imported 5,938 metric tons of olive oil in 2011, mostly from Italy and Spain, compared to
3,988 metric tons during the period in 2010, according to customs data.
Most of the growth was for olive pomace oil — the lowest edible grade of oil made from olives
— which jumped by 131 percent during the period.
Italy and Spain together accounted for more than 90 percent of India’s olive oil imports. Turkey
is the third largest supplier accounting for around 5 to 10 percent. Accurate figures for imports
from Turkey were not yet available.
Spain accounted for 56 percent, while Italy accounted for 44 percent — imports from other
notable olive oil exporting countries such as Greece, Syria and Tunisia are almost non-existent
in India.
Virgin olive oil imports increased by 26 percent over the previous year.
The Crop Year data, a standard followed by the International Olive Council (IOC), showed that
imports from Italy and Spain grew by 63 percent. In absolute terms, the volume of imports
increased from 3,175 metric tons in 2010 to 5,182 metric tons in 2011.
The Indian Olive Association (IOA) has said that two major promotional campaigns to increase
awareness about olive oil were underway, financed by the EU and key exporters Italy and Spain.
47. India’s Olive Oil Imports Up By Half
India imported 5,938 metric tons of olive oil in 2011, mostly from Italy and Spain, compared to
3,988 metric tons during the period in 2010, according to customs data.
Most of the growth was for olive pomace oil — the lowest edible grade of oil made from olives
— which jumped by 131 percent during the period.
Italy and Spain together accounted for more than 90 percent of India’s olive oil imports. Turkey
is the third largest supplier accounting for around 5 to 10 percent. Accurate figures for imports
from Turkey were not yet available.
Spain accounted for 56 percent, while Italy accounted for 44 percent — imports from other
notable olive oil exporting countries such as Greece, Syria and Tunisia are almost non-existent
in India.
Virgin olive oil imports increased by 26 percent over the previous year.
The Crop Year data, a standard followed by the International Olive Council (IOC), showed that
imports from Italy and Spain grew by 63 percent. In absolute terms, the volume of imports
increased from 3,175 metric tons in 2010 to 5,182 metric tons in 2011.
The Indian Olive Association (IOA) has said that two major promotional campaigns to increase
awareness about olive oil were underway, financed by the EU and key exporters Italy and Spain.
48. Olive oil
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 3,701 kJ (885 kcal)
Carbohydrates 0 g
Fat 100 g
- saturated 14 g
- monounsaturated 73 g
- polyunsaturated 11 g
- omega-3 fat <1.5 g
- omega-6 fat 3.5–21 g
Protein 0 g
Vitamin E 14 mg (93%)
Vitamin K 62 μg (59%)
100 g olive oil is 109 ml
Percentages are relative to
US recommendations for adults.
49. Country
Production
in tons
(2010)[45]
Production
% (2010)
Consumptio
n (2005)[46]
Annual per
capita
consumption
(kg)[47]
World 3,269,248 100% 100% 0.43
Spain 1,487,000 45.5% 20% 13.62
Italy 548,500 16.8% 30% 12.35
Egypt 500,000 16% 25% 15
Greece 352,800 10.8% 9% 23.7
Syria 177,400 5.4% 3% 7
Morocco 169,900 5.2% 2% 11.1
Turkey 161,600 4.9% 2% 1.2
Tunisia 160,100 4.9% 2% 5
Portugal 66,600 2.0% 2% 1.8
Algeria 33,600 1.0% 2% 7.1
Others 111,749 3.3% 18% 1.18
Global market
The main producing and consuming countries are:
50.
51. HEALTH BENEFITS OF OLIVE OIL
1. MUFA in olive oil reduces belly fat
2. Olive oil controls calorie intake thereby helps maintain fitness.
3. Olive oil is free from cholesterol.
4. Dissolves kidney stones.
5. Stops snoring.
6. Stops throat tickle.
7. Reduces LDL Cholesterol.
8. Olive oil has anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties.
9. Olive oil reduces the risk of breast cancer, cancer of upper alimentary canal and the
respiratory system.
10. Olive oil is used for maintaining better calcium blood levels, thereby improving bone
health.
11. Olive oil also maintains better emotional health.
12. Olive oil reduces PMT (Pre-Menstrual Tension) in women.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF OLIVE OIL