4 types of Olive oil-Which one should we use&When???

What is the difference between Extravirgin olive oil&Regular Olive oil?Which do you  use ,when &how??? I am sure these are the common questions which plague most of us…..so thought it was time to shed light on these questions.I recently read a story about an   Israeli woman  who claimed to be 120 years old and one of her secrets to living to such an advanced age is that she drinks at least one glass of olive oil a day. Thought that may sound gross to most of us,we could still improve our health by making  olive oil a part of our daily diet in much better &more tastier ways. Generally when you go to the  supermarket, you will most commonly see 3 types of olive oil:extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, pure  olive oil&light olive oil.The difference is basically in the taste&purity.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil :
Extra-virgin olive oil is naturally  produced from the first pressing of olives-making it the most pure and least acidic.It also  has the highest content of omega 3 , and is the best tasting of the four. The method for extracting the oil is what is known as “cold pressed,” which keeps the oil from losing its flavor that can be lost when exposed to high temperatures.As it’s expensive, heavier, and more flavorful than other types of olive oil, it’s best used as an accent to dishes , or in salad dressings and vinaigrettes.. If it’s not cold-pressed, the heat from the extraction process changes the chemistry,flavour  and quality of the olive oil.Extra virgin is usually used raw&should never be heated, since its flavor is lost by heating it and it also has  a low smoke point.Use extra virgin oil for beauty treatments for your skin and hair as it contains high concentrations of Vit E&Omega 3 fatty acids -hence reduces dryness of skin,dandruff and hairfall.

Virgin olive oil:
Virgin olive oil  is obtained by some application of heat and from the second  pressing of olive oil.It does not contain any other refined oils but has a higher acidity — up to 2 percent. It has  a fairly good olive flavour&does not burn easily, so can be used for salads or for light cooking.

Pure Olive oil or Regular Olive Oil :

The name Pure olive oil is misleading as it is a actually blend of refined pomace oil and virgin olive oil. Pomace is produced by processing the leftovers of the virgin olive oil extraction. The blend (which usually contains as little as 5 to 10 percent virgin olive oil) is cheaper to produce. It is used mainly when extracted olive oil is of poor quality and the refining process helps it to have a better flavor.It doesn’t have as strong a flavor as virgin olive oils and is best suited for frying and cooking.

Extra Light Olive Oil: Light olive oil isn’t lower in fat — it simply means the oil is made from refined olive oil. “Light olive oil” actually means refined olive oil, not a lower fat content. Extra light Olive oil in fact has 120 calories per tablespoon.HINTS WHILE BUYING &USING OLIVE OIL:

1.Look for bottles that say “cold press” on the label for best quality extravirgin olive oil.
2.Use Extra virgin olive oil or virgin olive oil only in the raw state-for salads,dressings,viniagrettes.Never heat it.
3.Use light  olive oil for stir frying or pan frying. Because of the refining process in regular or standard olive oil, it holds up better when exposed to high heats.
4.Do not use olive oil for deep  frying . It may hold up well when pan frying but has a low smoke point and will overheat when used as a deep fry. If you are looking for a healthy oil to deep fry with, canola is a good oil to try instead.
5.Bottles labeled “100 percent pure olive oil” are often the lowest quality;) Labels mentioning virgin olive oil are better products. 6.Labels saying”Made from refined olive oils” suggests that the essence was captured, but in fact means that the taste and acidity were chemically produced.
7.”From hand-picked olives” may indicate that the oil is of better quality, since producers harvesting olives by mechanical methods are inclined to leave olives to over-ripen in order to increase yield. So beware of the tricks that the manufacturers play on you to sell their products…….

Studies have shown that olive oil helps the body’s heart remain healthy and also aids in regulating cholesterol levels. Aside from consuming olive oil, some people swear of its benefits from using it topically on the skin. In 1997, the record holder for the longest lifespan, a woman from France, used olive oil daily not only in her diet, but by rubbing it on her skin.Hence it just makes sense to choose the right kind of olive oil&make it a part of your daily diet…….

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Olives:Friends of your Heart&Skin

Do your heart &skin a big favour…….Use olive oil instead of butter,margarine or regular oils while cooking &even as  a daily snack.
These  Mediterrenean  tree-plucked fruits have  been used from the days of the Egyptians.They  are high in heart-healthy monosaturated fats that shrink the risk of atherosclerosis.Add olives&olive oil to your diet to help maintain a healthy heart&lovely skin as they contain vitamins,antioxidants&omega 3 fatty acids.

Add them to your diet : Add olives to salads,dresings,dips,  pizzas or simply pop them in your mouth as a  delicious  snack. Additionally, use extra virgin olive oil as a cooking medium as  it has been proven that  food cooked in olive oil absorbs less oil&has fewer calories.

Health benefits of Olives:

1.Cardiovascular benefits:

Free harmful radicals oxidize cholesterol in our blood vessels, this eventually results into the formation of fats in the arteries leading to a heart attack or stroke. Presence of antioxidant nutrients in olives prevent this oxidation of cholesterol, and reduce the chances  of severe heart disease. As per experts, consumption of olives in your diet helps to maintain healthy heart as olives are zero cholesterol&contain high amount of healthy monounsaturated fat that act as a helping hand to shrink the risk of atherosclerosis.

2.Prevent cancer and reduces the growth of carcinogenic cells:

Olives are rich in vitamin E that acts against free radicals,thus  helping  to prevent cancer and reduces the growth of carcinogenic cells. As per research, olive is referred as one of the most popular vegetables to prevent cancer.

3.For Healthy skin:

Olives are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that hydrate, protect and nourish your skin. Olive also contains  high concentrations  of vitamin E&Omega 3 that helps in providing natural skin glow. As per various research, consumption of vitamin E helps to protect skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, thus forming a shield against premature aging and skin cancer. Massaging  daily with a few drops of olive oil will give you a   glowing and healthy skin complexion.Any wonder that olive oil is traditionally used for babies as  a massage oil &trusted by mothers worldwide!!

4.Reduces dandruff,hairfall&gives soft silky hair:

The anti oxidant properties of olive oil along with vitamin E aids  good hair growth and ensures soft&smooth hair,if applied regularly.Weekly massage with warm olive oil reduces dandruff.

5.Reduces acne -Anti-inflammatory &Antibacterial properties:

The monounsaturated fats, polyphenols and vitamin C in olives helps to neutralize the free radicals thus reducing inflammation.

Use a mixture of castor oil & olive oil to massage &deep cleanse your face.Then use warm water or a washcloth dipped in warm water to wipe it off. Olive oil( extra virgin) has been proven to be good for acne-prone skin. Firstly, olive oil contains natural anti-oxidants and vitamins and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Secondly, olive oil also acts as a moisturizer, so it prevents the dry flaking that leads to acne breakouts.

Third, and perhaps the most important fact is that olive oil doesn’t clog pores and in fact dissolves the impurities inside closed pores. Hence when you cleanse your face with olive oil , it won’t leave behind residue that will clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
Suggested blends depending on your type of skin:
Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Olive Oil.
Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Olive Oil.
Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Olive Oil.

6.Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease&senility:
Food rich in omega 3 fatty acids like olives,reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease -research reported by Dr Gary Small,Longevity centre,Los Angeles.Scientists have also found that  extra virgin olive oil contains a biologically active substance oleocanthal ,which changes the structure of the neurotoxic proteins which contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

7.Helps digestion:

Olives are easily digested by our stomach and  prevents constipation. It also helps to protect the stomach from gastritis and ulcers.Olive oil increases the secretion of pancreatic hormones and bile thus ensuring healthy digestive track and reduces the chance of gallstone formation.

8.Reduces cholesterol levels:

Olives are zero cholesterol&hence good for the heart. Studies have shown that consumption of olives  reduces harmful LDL cholesterol level,and have an  anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antithrombotic as well as vasodilatory effects in humans and animals.Foods cooked in olive oil absorb less oil,taste better&have lesser calories.So you can enjoy your food,without guilt!!

9.Helps to cure anaemia :

Olives are very high in iron content. This iron content helps in the formation of red blood cell which acts as an oxygen carrier &helps to boost up the  immune system as well.

Regular consumption of  a tablespoonful of extravirgin olive oil  or olives daily has been found to increase longevity,improve memory,retard effects of ageing&reduce the risk of  heart attacks,skin cancer&Alzheimer’s disease.Do ensure that you use extra virgin oil &olives in your diet for optimum benefits .Let’s  make the most of these natural , ready to eat culinary delights-a gift from nature….!!