Fats in the diet are highly controversial
You’ll see people arguing about animal fats, seed oils and almost everything in between.
But one of the few fats that most people agree is healthy is extra virgin olive oil.
This oil, part of the Mediterranean diet, is a traditional fat that has been a dietary staple for some of the world’s healthiest populations.
There is actually quite a bit of research behind the health effects of olive oil.
These studies show that the fatty acids and antioxidants in it have some powerful health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease.
What is Olive Oil and How is it Made
Olive oil is oil that is pressed from
olives, the fruits of the olive tree.
Extracting it is incredibly simple… you just press the olives and the oil comes out.
But there is still one major problem with olive oil… it isn’t always what you think it is. Some lower quality versions can be extracted using chemicals, or even diluted with other cheaper oils.
Therefore, buying the right type of olive oil is incredibly important.
The
best type is extra virgin olive oil, which is the oil you get after the first pressing of the olives. It is extracted with a natural method and standardized for purity and certain sensory qualities like taste and smell
