Why switching to Extra Virgin Olive Oil can improve your health
When buying olive oil, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the plethora of options before you. However, because olive oil is a staple ingredient in many dishes, it is essential to put your health first and pick the olive oil that best serves your needs and body.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil vs. Olive Oil
There are many differences between extra-virgin olive oil and olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil has important antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that benefit the body. According to Healthline, “studies show that the fatty acids and antioxidants in olive oil can offer some powerful health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease.”
Additionally, Healthline explains that there are many benefits to using extra-virgin olive oil. For instance, consuming olive oil…
- Reduces oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol)
- Improves blood vessel health
- Helps manage blood clotting
- Lowers blood pressure
These are only a few benefits extra-virgin olive oil provides. Overall, extra-virgin olive oil is known to be a great and healthy option for cooking and your body. Extra-virgin olive oil is pure unprocessed olive oil that is not processed with chemicals or changed by temperature.
Olive Oil Processes
There are three different types of olive oil processes: refined, unrefined, and cold-pressed.
Refined olive oils undergo a second production process after the oil is pressed. This process often uses heat or chemicals and, in some cases, introduces vegetable oils, creating a lower quality oil.
Unrefined olive oils undergo production without any chemical or heat extraction processes. This production results in the creation of higher quality olive oil. You will find that extra-virgin olive oils are unrefined.
Cold Pressed olive oil undergoes the most natural process in olive oil production. It is more expensive since it is the least refined and of better quality than other olive oils.
At Olive Ventura, we have an array of olive oils at our shop. We strive to include options of olive oil products that are 100% unrefined extra-virgin, cold-pressed, certified organic, and non-GMO olive. Studies have shown the positive effects of including extra virgin olive oil in a person’s diet can lead to a longer and happier life. An example of this lifestyle is in Italy where the Mediterranean diet is embraced and people consume more olives on average. One study of people in the Sicani Mountain region of Italy, reports that it is more common for locals to live past 100 years of age. At Olive Ventura, we want to extend the olive branch by educating customers on the positive impact of extra virgin olive oil in their diet.
At Olive Ventura, we maintain a variety of extra-virgin olive oils from delicate to robust. These will vary throughout the season as different varietals become available, but they are always from California growers and are always from the most current harvest. Our flavored varieties are also always made with California extra virgin olive oil. Each of these, such as Garlic, Meyer Lemon, Blood Orange, Basil, Jalapeño, etc. have only two ingredients; EVOO and that product. None have additional ingredients such as sweeteners, preservatives, etc. We welcome you to a free tasting of any of these in the store.
