So, What makes Olive Oil so Healthy?
Olive oil is one of the only oils that is a natural fruit juice. Unlike other vegetable oils, which are extracted from seeds using solvents or heat, Olive Oil is made from pressing the olives and collecting the “juice” that is left. This means that all the polyphenols and valuable antioxidants remain intact. This makes Olive Oil one of the healthiest options for your diet.
The “good” fats in olive oil are similar to those found in avocados and almonds. But the nutritional value of olive oil truly surpasses that of any other fat. Fats are an essential component of nutrition and an integral part of a healthy diet. Olive oil not only consists mainly of healthy monounsaturated fats, but it is the only fat that contains high levels of healthy antioxidants known as polyphenols. Research on polyphenols suggests these antioxidants can help protect against cardiovascular disease, some cancers and even diabetes.
Extra virgin olive oil, as well as virgin olive oil, are some of the best edible oils with their pleasant flavor, antioxidant properties and health benefits. They also have some of the highest levels of monounsaturated fatty acids of all oils, which studies have shown may help lower your risk of heart disease by improving related risk factors, and are also rich in fat-soluble vitamin K and vitamin E.