Oil olive is a delicious golden liquid blessing our kitchens and favourite dishes, but is it as healthy as they say? Let’s find out.
What is olive oil?
Olive oil is an edible oil used in the kitchen in a variety of dishes. You can cook with it, drizzle it over bread, pasta, or salads, or use it as a topping for baked goods. Most importantly, it has many health benefits.
Olive oil is made by pressing whole olives and collecting the escaped oil. Olives are predominantly grown in the Mediterranean region and have a unique flavour depending on the country of origin - some are mild, others are peppery. Processing techniques result in different grades of olive oil, whether refined or unrefined. Unrefined oils are pure and untreated, which means no heat or chemicals are used in the extraction process, producing a purer oil with a stronger flavour. Refined oils are processed to remove any imperfections and are usually lighter in colour and less flavourful.
What is extra virgin olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is purer and less processed than olive oil, meaning it contains more vitamins and natural antioxidants, which can get lost in the extraction process mentioned above. EVOO also has a lower acidity level, monounsaturated fat and smoke point. This means it is the healthiest olive oil, however, it comes at a higher price.
Is olive oil healthier than other oils?
Olive oil is considered the healthiest vegetable oil. Studies found that olive oil has positive effects on the gut microbiome and heart disease.
Many people believe that olive oil is a better substitute than other saturated fats. While there is some truth to this (olive oil appears to cause relatively less harm than saturated animal fat), it's important to note that less harm is still harm if eating it in large quantities.
So, can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, it is recommended as a delicious and healthy alternative.
Can I fry food with olive oil?
Yes, you can fry, roast, marinade and dress your dishes with oil olive, it really is a versatile oil that can be used in all aspects of cooking.
What are the health benefits to olive oil?
Olive oil is known for its many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. It is believed that olive oil can also help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for those with arthritis or other chronic conditions.
Not to mention, benefitting hair and skin, it can be used in your beauty regime as a natural moisturiser.
How many calories in olive oil?
There’s approximately 120 calories in a tablespoon of olive oil, making it a high calorie ingredient. This is because the calories come from fat, a good fat. It is important to be consumed in healthy quantities to keep your daily fat consumption at the recommended nutritious value.
Olive oil is a flavoursome oil that not only benefits your cooking, but your health too. There will always be pros and cons to many man-made products, but it seems that the health benefits of oil olive out-weight the negatives (if consumed safely and in the recommended quantities).