Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits
What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Why is EVOO considered healthy?
High intakes of EVOO linked to longevity of certain Mediterranean peoples despite the amounts of grains and dairy they concern. Some Soutthern European populations in Greece, Spain and Italy consume over 20 litres of oil per person annually, this is compared to an average of 1 litre in the UK.
EVOO has been shown to contain over 30 polyphenols and countless other flavoids and chemicals, particuarly the beneficial fatty-acid oelic acid. This has been showin in studies to have positive effects on heart health and the brain, despite it being a fat (its the type of fat that matters). In many ways the humble olive oil is a true superfood.
It's worth noting that while Olive Oils generally are better for us than seed based alternatives the more pure and 'virgin' the oil the more beneficial compounds it contains. So if you want to add more of the benefits of olive oil to your diet then be discerning, stick to extra virgin oil and the closer it is to when it was picked (not bottled) the better.
Olive Oil Uses
1. Use it daily in the kitchen
The fresh, fruity taste of our Olive Oils is perfect in salad dressings, or in marinades and rubs for meat, poultry and seafood. Use it every day to roast, sauté and in baked goods. Drizzle over steamed greens, into soups or enjoy in pasta dishes.
Most cooking (frying, roasting and baking) is done below the smoke point of a good Extra Virgin Olive Oil (about 200 degrees), which means you won’t be producing any harmful chemicals when cooking with it – just don’t use it for deep-frying. The health-giving antioxidants can be reduced during prolonged heating, but many remain intact. Cooking vegetables in Extra Virgin Olive Oil will actually help you absorb the antioxidants and vitamins in the vegetables. Even if you do tend to burn your food a bit on balance the benefits of EVOO will possibly outweigh the negatives that come with using other seed based oils and their high smoke points.
2. Great for skin
Olive oil can be very soothing and moisturising when applied to the skin, especially dried hands and feet.
Try soaking your feet in warm water before bed, patting them dry with a towel and then applying olive oil to both feet. You can even wear socks afterwards to keep the oil in and to stop it from getting on your sheets!
3. Olive Oil in your Coffee anyone?
Fun fact - did you know Starbucks has an olive oil coffee range - the Oelator? Why? Many do it because they like the flavour and smooth consistency when combined with the coffee, offsetting the acidity. While others add it for the beneficial properties of olive oil, think 'bulletproof' coffees with coconut oils add for beneficial MCTs.
