Olive Oils
Much has been said about olive oils benefits to your health, but did you know there are different kinds of oils? Some are healthier than others so read on to make sure you buy the most beneficial kind. Also, you’ll want to be sure to store it properly so that it retains it’s healthy benefits.
Olive oil is pressed from olives and has healthy monounsaturated fatty acids as well as vitamin e and antioxidant properties. It helps to fight heart disease by raising the "good" cholesterol (HDL) while controlling the "bad" cholesterol (LDL). Other health benefits of olive oil include lessening the risk of colon cancer, protecting against gallstones and being beneficial for ulcers. Recent researchers believe the high concentration of vitamin E in extra virgin olive oil can help protect against breast cancer as well.
Kinds of Olive Oils
Olive oil is prepared by crushing olives - the best oil is the one with the least processing (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) as it retains most of it's natural elements. It is also the oil with the most olive flavor in it. Most people use a lighter oil but it would benefit your health to switch to the etra virgin - you will acquire a taste for it and it is the most healthy. Olive oils are “rated” according to how much processing is used in making the oil:
Extra Virgin - from the first pressing of the olive, the best oil with no processing
Virgin - from the second pressing, still no processing
Pure - this oil is filtered and refined - not as healthy as virgin or extra virgin.
Extra Light - heavily processed and not as desirable as any of the above oils.
Storing Olive Oils
Olive oil can go bad very quickly. You can tell by sniffing it and it has a slightly rancid smell. Unfortunately most people keep their oil in the cupboard and use it so sparingly that it is rancid most of the time! To keep olive oils away from light and heat and seal very tightly. I recommend buying small jars that you will use up quickly. You can keep it in the refridgerator, but you will have to thaw it each time you use it as the cold will make it solid.
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