Whether olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, several studies carried out by the WHO (World Health Organization) state that consuming olive oil every day accounts for most of the benefits of this type of diet.
Although all olive oils may look the same, their quality is linked to the benefits they bring to our body, so it is very important to know the difference between an ordinary olive oil and an extra virgin olive oil.
What are the differences between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?
The secret lies in its purity. While olive oil is a blend of virgin olive oil and refined olive oil, extra virgin olive oil is much purer and of higher quality, with no refined oils blended in:
- • Virgin olive oil: This type of oil is made using a technique called cold pressing, without any method to increase oil yield, such as applying heat. Because it comes only from the first pressing, this type of olive oil keeps all its properties intact and is therefore purer.
- • Refined olive oil: Unlike extra virgin olive oil, it is of lower quality, as it goes through a refining process using heat, which removes all the negative organoleptic properties. Although it is still fit for human consumption, this technique means it loses many of its properties and is no longer a pure oil.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The best olive oil, or gourmet olive oil: that is how we can think of extra virgin oil. This type of oil keeps all its organoleptic properties intact and, compared with other virgin olive oils, extra virgin olive oil has an acidity of around 1% and therefore a lower concentration of oleic acid. This acidity also gives it an intense fruity flavour, with a slight tart note and a characteristic green colour that others lack.
These very special characteristics give it a higher quality and, therefore, a higher price and greater benefits for our health. Consuming extra virgin olive oil is one of the best ways to obtain many beneficial properties our body needs.
Properties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Experts say that extra virgin olive oil is the best oil you can consume, as shown by the remarkable properties attributed to the highest-quality olive oil:
- • Extra virgin olive oil is highly resistant to oxidation because of its low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which reduces the likelihood of producing substances that are harmful to health.
- • It is considered the best olive oil for human consumption because of its nutritional composition, and is regarded as essential in a healthy, balanced diet.
- • It helps reduce cardiovascular risk, as it raises good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol, balancing total cholesterol thanks to its high content of oleic acid and antioxidants.
- • Although oil contains fats, these have an anti-inflammatory effect on our body, which is why extra virgin olive oil is recommended for easing joint and muscle pain.
- • Its texture allows it to act as a lubricant on the intestinal lining, helping to prevent constipation.
- • Extra virgin olive oil contains healthy fats that counteract other, more harmful fats, making it beneficial in all kinds of diets, even for people at risk of obesity and type II diabetes.
All these properties and characteristics of extra virgin olive oil make it the perfect ally for our health, and make refining a key factor in choosing one. Visit the Aceites La Matilla online shop now and discover the different varieties of extra virgin olive oil we have available for you.
