Olive oil is a liquid fat made from the fruit of the olive tree, a traditional tree crop in the Mediterranean Basin. This product is commonly used for cooking and salad dressing and is often used as a substitute for butter in cooking. The oil has a distinctive aroma and taste. Its pungency (acidity) is one of its most positive attributes and is caused by its cultivation and harvesting practices. It has a pungent or peppery smell, which gives it a spiciness. It is very common in Italian cuisine, as olives are grown in cooler climates. However, this is not the only positive attribute of olive oil.
Why you need to Cook with Olive Oil
When cooking with olive oil, you’re giving your food antioxidants and nutrients. This type of fat also has a lower smoke point than most oils. It smokes at temperatures of 365 to 420 degrees F, making it the lowest-smoke oil among the common cooking oils. When your cooking oil reaches this temperature, it loses its beneficial compounds and develops potentially harmful ones. Hence, it’s important to use only extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
In addition to these health benefits, olive oil is high in antioxidants. It contains more than 200 components with biological activities. These components prevent cellular damage from free radicals, which are produced by the body’s processes.
Composition of Olive Oil
Another reason why olive oil is so high in antioxidants is because of its unique composition. This healthy fat contains more antioxidants than any other type of fat. These compounds prevent oxidation, preventing the growth of disease-causing free radicals in the body.
Health Benefits using of Olive Oil
There are many health benefits of using olive oil for cooking.
- Olive oil has many benefits for the body. Its high concentration of polyphenols, monounsaturated fats, and omega-3s are good for your heart, brain, and digestive system.
- It has the ability to protect blood vessels in the brain and fight off chronic diseases. Unlike other fats, olive oil is also loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants, which help to improve your mood. Good olive oil is essential for overall health and a healthy body. It’s worth it.
- Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal option for people with depression. Its high concentration of monounsaturated fats has been linked with decreased risk of depression and dementia.
- They also protect cells from aging, which can lead to various ailments.
- Olive oil is a good source of antioxidants that can reduce the risk of cancer. The oil can also boost the immune system and lower cholesterol levels. Despite its high-fat content, olive oil is still a healthy option for cooking. For example, the oil is rich in polyphenols and has a lower smoke point than other vegetable oils. This means that it can be used for frying without sacrificing its benefits
- Using olive oil for cooking can lower your risk of stroke. This happens when blood flow is disrupted due to a blood clot or bleeding. When you use olive oil, your risk of stroke is reduced by 40%.
- In addition to lowering your risk of heart disease, olive oil can also prevent diabetes. However, if you’re diabetic, check your blood sugar level before using olive oil for cooking.
Not only is olive oil healthy, it also improves the taste of foods and dishes. Its distinct flavor and aroma are unlike other vegetable oils and, unlike refined oils, olive oil enhances the taste of traditional dishes. Hence adding some extra-virgin olive oil to your diet will make it healthier and you, happier.
