Extra-virgin olive oil offers eight confirmed advantages that are exclusive to its consumption:
A Taste of Health: The Benefits of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil vs Regular Olive Oil
Olive oil, the golden elixir of the Mediterranean diet, is known as one of the healthiest oils globally. But not all olive oils are created equal - especially when comparing extra-virgin to regular oil. To reap the best health benefits, you need to know your oils.
Decoding Olive Oil
You'll find two main types of olive oil in your local grocery store: regular olive oil and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). There's also virgin olive oil, but it's less common.
EVOO is made through a lengthy, cold-pressed process, extracting oil from olives without heat. It results in a green oil with a pleasant, fruity aroma and a grassy, peppery flavor. To become EVOO, it must meet strict standards for quality, certifying its purity and taste. If it fails to meet these standards but still retains its pure form, it is labeled as "virgin" oil, often containing a little EVOO.
Regular olive oil is typically a blend of cold-pressed and heat-refined oil to remove impurities. However, this process decreases the oil's nutritional value and flavor.
Why Go Extra-Virgin?
Unlike regular olive oil, EVOO contains more antioxidant plant compounds – particularly polyphenols. The polyphenols in EVOO are responsible for numerous health advantages, from reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to supporting heart health. Here are some of the benefits of EVOO consumption:
- Dementia Reduction: Consuming over half a tablespoon of olive oil daily (the amount used in a salad dressing serving) can lower the risk of dementia mortality by 28 percent.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Consuming two tablespoons of EVOO daily can improve blood pressure, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, and reduce fasting blood glucose in as little as three weeks.
- Lower Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Risk: Daily consumption of over 1.5 tablespoons of EVOO can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality compared to none.
- Successful Aging: Greek men and women over 70 who exclusively used olive oil in food preparation had higher scores on a scale of successful aging attributes.
- Breast Cancer Prevention: Consuming 1.5 tablespoons of EVOO daily is linked to a 68 percent reduction in invasive breast cancer risk.
- Prevention of Atherosclerosis: Combining EVOO with dark chocolate can slow or prevent atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries due to plaque build-up.
- Mortality Reduction: Moderate EVOO consumption can help reduce mortality from four major health threats.
What About Cooking and Storage?
While EVOO has a relatively low smoke point, it retains antioxidants and health benefits when heated to cook. However, for the best health benefits, it's recommended to consume EVOO raw or cooked at low temperatures. Store EVOO in a dark glass bottle or tin in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.
Embrace the Extra-Virgin Lifestyle
Join the elite few who enjoy fresh-pressed, rare olive oil all year round. Experience the taste, quality, and health advantages by trying some today!
More Info:
- Regular vs. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: What's the Difference? - Tasting Table
- Are all olive oils equally healthy for you? A look at the research. - Washington Post
- Regular Olive Oil vs. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Is There Actually a Difference? - The Kitchn
- Only virgin type of olive oil consumption reduces the risk of mortality. Results from a Mediterranean population-based cohort - European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
- Mediterranean Diet and Invasive Breast Cancer Risk Among Women at High Cardiovascular Risk in the PREDIMED Trial - JAMA Internal Medicine
- It's crucial to understand the differences between regular and extra-virgin olive oil when it comes to nutrition and wellness.
- Science has shown that extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains higher amounts of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, compared to regular olive oil.
- These polyphenols found in EVOO offer numerous health advantages, such as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Consuming EVOO daily could lower the risk of dementia mortality by 28 percent.
- Improved cardiovascular health is another benefit of EVOO, as it can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce fasting blood glucose.
- The daily consumption of over 1.5 tablespoons of EVOO can potentially decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.
- Older adults who solely use olive oil in food preparation may exhibit higher scores on a scale of successful aging attributes.
- There is evidence that consuming 1.5 tablespoons of EVOO daily could lower the risk of invasive breast cancer.
- Combining EVOO with dark chocolate might slow or prevent atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by plaque build-up in the arteries.
- EVOO can help reduce mortality from four major health threats.
- Although EVOO has a lower smoke point, it still retains antioxidants and health benefits when heated for cooking.
- To preserve the quality and taste of EVOO, store it in a dark glass bottle or tin in a cool, dark place.
- Workplace wellness programs can include education on the benefits of EVOO and its role in maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing chronic diseases.
- Manufacturing processes play a crucial role in the nutritional value of oils, including EVOO, as heat-refined oil can decrease the oil's nutritional content.
- Men's health can also benefit from EVOO, as it supports prostate health and hormone balance.
- Skin care can benefit from EVOO when used topically, as it has moisturizing and anti-aging properties.
- Therapies and treatments often include the use of EVOO for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to promote healing.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in the health of not just humans, but also pets, as a healthy diet can help prevent various medical conditions and chronic diseases.
- Environmental science can help educate the public on the effects of climate change on olive oil production and suggest sustainable practices for olive farming.
- Finance and investing may impact the accessibility and availability of EVOO, as changes in global markets can affect the price and supply of olive oil.
- Energy consumption in the transportation sector can impact overall carbon emissions, affecting the health of individuals due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Cybersecurity is crucial in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data related to olive oil production, such as its origin and polyphenol content.
- Lifestyle choices, such as eating a Mediterranean diet rich in EVOO, can help promote longevity and overall wellness.
- Fashion and beauty industries can incorporate EVOO in their product offerings, such as skincare, haircare, and cosmetics.
- Food and drink establishments often focus on using quality ingredients, such as EVOO, to create healthier menu options for customers.
- In a retail environment, selling EVOO can be a part of health-and-wellness initiatives, promoting awareness of its benefits and encouraging customers to adopt a Mediterranean diet.
- Climate change can affect the growth and production of olives, posing risks to the industry and the availability of EVOO.
- Venture capital and private equity investments can play a role in the growth and expansion of businesses specializing in EVOO production, distribution, and retail.
