Health food stores in Florida are selling olive oil to people who are looking for the health benefits of it.
In a recent survey, health food stores across the state sold nearly 7.3 million pounds of olive and other oils, according to data provided by the Palm Beach Health Center.
The health center is a nonprofit that provides support to communities across Florida.
About 40 percent of the sales come from grocery stores and other health food and convenience stores.
The Palm Beach Food Bank reported that olive oil has been selling at about 1,200 stores in the county.
About 70 percent of those sales are coming from health food markets, the Palm Bay Food Bank said.
About 10 percent come from other health foods markets.
The Florida Department of Health has said that olive oils are a safe and effective source of essential fatty acids.
Palm Beach County has a high prevalence of obesity.
About 5 percent of adults are overweight or obese, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.