Understanding the Differences & Benefits Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Olive Oil
Refined foods like margarine and canola oil are often the first to be thrown out when you're trying a new diet.
A few diet books recommend using olive oil or coconut oil to cook with, as both have numerous health benefits such:
- Lower bad cholesterol
- Good cholesterol is important
- Stabilizing blood sugar
- Antioxidants that are good for you
How can you choose the right one next time you visit the supermarket?
You can get rid of everything that does not have an "Extra Virgin" label or "Virgin" label for beginners. Young olives have the best taste and the greatest health benefits.
Olive oil is simply the oil extracted from olives after they have been picked from the trees. There are clear differences in the types of olives that are picked and the method by which the oil is extracted.
We also need to be concerned about additives or other olive oils that have been mixed in. This is why our Olive Oil Experts recommend that you always support extra virgin olive oil to ensure quality.
After an olive has been picked, the oil is extracted. Unrefined means it has not been treated and therefore has a stronger taste. There is a tradeoff. While refined oils can be processed, they are not bitter and do not contain as much olive aroma, flavor, or color. It ultimately becomes dependent on the consumer.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil means unrefined Olive Oil. Olive oil must retain the original olive flavor and contain all vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in olives to be considered "extra virgin". Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil does not contain pesticides or chemicals.
Virgin Olive Oil is one level lower in quality than Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is also unrefined.
The next option is traditional Olive Oil, which has been refined and added chemicals to make it less nutritious than Extra Virgin Olive Oil. We recommend that Extra Virgin Olive Oil be organic if you want to reap the full benefits of olive oil.