Using Gourmet Olive Oil For Healthy Lifestyles
Olive oil has been singled out as one of the healthiest components of the Mediterranean diet because of its high antioxidant and essential fatty acid content. But experts recommend only gourmet olive oil extracted using strict production standards. A distinction, therefore, must be made between extra virgin and pure olive oils.
What is extra virgin?
Most gourmet olive oils you find are extracted from the best looking fruits at maturity. Before extraction, the fruits are washed and cleaned to remove the bitter principles.. The fruits are then processed soon after washing to obtain most of its antioxidants.. This relatively straightforward procedure produces the highest quality extra virgin oil.
On the other hand, some producers use high temperatures and chemicals which help them to extract more oil from the fruits. These are sold as “pure” or “light” oils which do not contain the same nutritional values of their virgin counterpart. Others process the oil excessively to lighten its colour while still a few mix a small percentage of extra virgin with other types of oil and market these products as extra virgin to take advantage of their high sale values and increasing demand.
Extracting oil immediately after harvest and without excessive processing promotes better tasting oils and retains most of the fruit’s nutrients. Several studies suggest that the plant antioxidants found in olives have anti inflammatory properties that fight cell damage.. Inflammation is said to be the leading cause of degenerative diseases including those arising from oxidative stress and certain cancers. The anti inflammatory action of the polyphenols found in olive oil is similar to that of ibuprofen, a widely used Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug or NSAID.
It also contains high amounts of monounsaturated fat that is essential for heart and cardiovascular health.. Raised temperatures however will turn oleic acid into an unhealthy fat, so the oil’s temperature should be closely monitored during processing.
Choosing the extra virgin brand
In Australia, members of the Australian Olive Association observe a Code of Practice which lays down strict criteria for oil production including taste and chemical tests to ensure the authenticity and quality of certified products that carry the “extra virgin” label. This also distinguishes Australian olive oil from imported products which may be adulterated oils.
With the premium price you pay for gourmet olive oil, buying only certified extra virgin products makes economic sense to get more value for your money.
