All these ingredients (and more) are part of the now-famous Mediterranean diet, which represents the traditional cuisines of Greece, southern Italy and Spain.

Research dating back to the 1960s revealed that the people of Crete, now the largest of the Greek islands, had the most robust health and longest life span of all the countries studied. This was despite the fact that many were smokers and there were only spartan medical services at the time.

The people of Crete lived to a healthy old age, had no problems with cholesterol or heart disease, worked hard physically and walked everywhere - no cars, fast food or televisions then!

In the 40 years since, nutritionists have spent a lot of time trying to pin point the "magic" ingredient responsible.

Olive oil was an obvious contender, with a reputation that dates as far back as 8000 years when the Cretans first started cultivating olives. Even Hippocrates referred to it as the "great therapeutic".

Recent studies of extra virgin types confirm the ancient wisdom and point to their natural antioxidants that can fight off artery-clogging free radicals and protect against certain cancers.

Until recent years, no one bothered about these - things with odd names like polyphenols, terpenes, sterols, squalene, tocopherols and various esters. They hardly appear in standard nutrition texts but now appear to be the explanation for the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil.

But olive oil on its own isn't the "magic bullet". It's only one of many elements that make the Mediterranean diet so good for us.

Plenty of vegetables and salads is a clue. As is the garlic and seafood so common in fishing communities.

And while we're at it, I'd love to take on the relaxed Cretan lifestyle - an afternoon siesta, more walking and less driving, big family networks, and of course, many shared meals around the table.

Catherine Saxelby is a nutritionist and author of Nutrition for Life. Get more healthy eating tips at www.foodwatch.com.au