Olive Oil and Heart Disease

Studies have shown that people who consumed 25 milliliters (ml) - about 2 tablespoons - of virgin olive oil daily for 1 week showed less oxidation of LDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenols, in the blood. But while all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed.

Varieties of Olive Oil

Generally, olive oil is extracted by a process called cold pressing. Olive oil comes in different varieties, depending on the amount of processing involved. Varieties include:

Extra Virgin - considered the best, least processed, comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives.
Virgin - from the second pressing.
Pure - undergoes some processing, such as filtering and refining.
Extra light - undergoes considerable processing and only retains a very mild olive flavor.

When buying olive oil for cooking or food preparation other than baking desserts, shop around for Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Although the best health benefits are found in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, when baking desserts with olive oil, use only pure olive oil. I always choose a Pure Olive Oil when baking desserts because it does not have the "nutty" flavors found in virgin olive oil. Adding those flavors found in Virgin Olive Oils tend to alter the desired taste in your favorite desserts. Pure olive oil is made by adding a little extra virgin olive oil to refined olive oil. It is a lesser grade oil than most virgin oils, but still contains the monounsaturated fatty acids and phenols. When baking desserts with olive oil, use only pure or light olive oil. However, when preparing non sweet foods, always use VIRGIN olive oil.

How to Store Olive Oil: Always store your olive oil away from light. Light tends to turn olive oil rancid in a very short time. If you do not plan on using your oil within a month, I suggest storing it in the refrigerator or in the freezer. Keep the lid on tight because oxygen also promotes rancidity.
 

The Greatest Oil on Earth

The greatest benefit of olive oil is monounsaturated fat and it is a dominant ingredient in the Mediterranean Diet. Olive oil is a natural juice which is extracted (usually by cold pressing) from the olive itself. Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed in its natural form (without heat processing). The reason that olive oil is so healthy for you is because it contains a high amount of monounsaturated fat, it is high in antioxidants, and contains phenols. Studies have shown that olive oil aids greatly in the protection against heart disease. This works because olive oil helps to control your body’s LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising your body’s HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Olive oil has a higher level of monounsaturated fatty acids (77%) than any other fruit or vegetable oil. Check out the FDA’s 2004 Statement on the health benefits of olive oil. Olive oil is known to be extremely gentle on the stomach. In fact, olive oil has been known to be beneficial when used to combat ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than most all other gastric drugs.

Disclaimer: Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. © Micki’s Kitchen