Get Email Updates from Google
Why Olive Oil is the Healthier Choice
Did you know that replacing two tablespoons of saturated fats, such as butter and margarine, with olive oil everyday could actually make your heart healthier? Dozens of studies have been done on olive oil which suggest many more health benefits. In this article we will look at a few of them.
Olive oil is 77% monounsaturated fat. Research studies show it may lower heart disease risk by lowering the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-low density lipoprotein) in the blood and leaving the good cholesterol (HDL-high density lipoprotein) intact. It slashes the risk of heart disease because it breaks down the plaque in clogged arteries and reduces the risk of hardened arteries. Olive oil also helps fight other illness such as diabetes, arthritis, breast cancer, constipation, the effects of aging and more according to research studies. How? Olive oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E that protect cells from damage.
Here are some olive oil health tips:
continued below ....
|
The types of olive oil include:
- Extra virgin – made from cold pressing select olives without any further refining. Best you can buy and is produced in limited quantities so it costs more.
- Pure Olive Oil – this is a blend of refined olive oil and extra virgin or virgin olive oil.
- Light or mild – this is a refined oil with just enough extra virgin oil added to give it a light flavor and color. It is NOT lighter in calories. It has the same caloric and fat content as the other oils.
- Olive pomace oil – extracted from the pomace which is the remaining portion of the olive oil after pressing. The resulting oil refined and blended with virgin olive oil to add flavour.
Ways to Use olive Oil:
- Use instead of butter on popcorn.
- Add a teaspoon or more to each serving of hearty soup or stew.
- Add some to your tossed salad.
- Use pure olive oil as an all purpose cooking oil.
- Baste turkey and chicken with olive oil.
- Pour olive oil into a plastic container (or recycled margarine tub) and freeze. When solid, store it in the refrigerator and use as a spread instead of butter or margarine.
- Season your cast iron cookware with olive oil.
Storing Olive Oil
You can store olive oil in an airtight container, away from light, in a cool place like your cupboard. Some refrigerate it (I don’t personally), if you do it will become cloudy and eventually it will solidify. To use once this happens, let it come to room temperature and it will clear up/liquefy again. Neither quality nor flavour will be affected. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If stored properly, olive oil will keep its flavour for up to two years making it a great addition to your stockpile.
If you are adding another flavour to olive oil: Blanch fresh herbs in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel. Add herbs to oil and let stand overnight at room temperature. Refrigerate any oil not immediately used.
Try serving olive oil in a cruet or a decanter. Serve flavoured oil in a smaller container to prevent waste (use it up in one day). Clear glass containers show off olive oil’s great colour.
These are just a small portion of the health benefits and uses for olive oil, there are many more. Why not research them for yourself and make olive oil a healthy addition to your diet and life.
Written by Lisa Fraley, from Home Works Enterprises
Tweet Me!
One Response to “Why Olive Oil is the Healthier Choice”
Post Your Message
I knew olive oil a healthier choice to use. I have high colesterol and use olive to keep down. It really works and food taste great. I have never seasoned it but I shall try. It makes great toasted sandwiches.
I did not realize it would lower blood sugar.
thanks for the information.