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Choosing a quality olive oil

There is nothing quite like the flavour that a good olive oil can bring when drizzled over fresh bread, salads, potatoes, vegetable dishes and stews. To get the wonderful health benefits provided by olive oil, you need to know which kind to buy and how best to use it.

Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest-quality olive oil and is extracted through a process called cold pressing, whereby the oil is removed by pressure and is not exposed to heat. This ensures that the healthy antioxidants and monounsaturated fats remain intact.  Virgin olive oil is also a healthy option but is made with olives that are a bit riper.

A good quality extra virgin olive oil should have a deep grassy aroma with a slightly peppery taste. Virgin olive oil should have a slightly lighter flavour with notes of fruit. Purchasing either of these oils means that you are getting a product that is pure and has avoided any chemical treatment or refining process. If your olive oil has no flavour then you can be sure that it has been processed and contains little to no health benefit.

Virgin olive oils are more expensive than other kinds of vegetable oils because the olives require careful cultivation and the process takes time ensure no damage occurs to the oils and their flavour and health benefits stay intact. The benefits of using small amounts of olive oil daily are worth the cost in the long run.

To use olive oil correctly you must expose it to as little light, air and heat as possible, because it is monounsaturated oil which oxidises easily and will turn rancid in these conditions.  Keep it in a dark bottle in a cool cupboard and do not cook with it.

Extra-virgin and virgin olive oil provide plenty of health benefits and contain antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin A, heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, chlorophyll and magnesium.  Antioxidants strengthen the immune system, reduce the risk of chronic health conditions and have anti-cancer effects.

Eating good quality olive oil may help prevent diabetes by regulating insulin levels. It is a wonder-food for skin health as it helps protect the skin and creates a healthy glow.

The monounsaturated fat content in olive oil has been associated with preventing or reducing cognitive decline that is common in Alzheimer’s disease and old age.

Make sure to buy Olive oil that has a certified organic label on it, which ensures that the olives were not grown with synthetic and toxic pesticides and fertilisers, and that no harmful chemicals were used during extraction.

With all those health benefits and a delicious flavour, you really can’t lose by adding organic extra virgin olive oil to your diet!

Find quality organic oil suppliers here

Sources

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/10+extra+virgin+olive+oil+benefits+you+never+knew,28629
http://bodyecology.com/articles/the-best-type-of-olive-oil-for-your-health
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02970/Olive-Oil.html