Organic olive oil is seen as the pinnacle of oils when it comes to nutritional benefits, and for a number of good reasons. Olive oil has been used for cooking in Mediterranean countries for centuries, and over time its popularity has spread across the globe. The oil itself can offer a host of health benefits in a number of areas, and choosing organic will ensure that you are getting the best out of the oil without the addition of unnatural additives.
Organic
Organic olive oil is frequently "cold pressed," which means that the actual process of extracting the oil from the olives themselves is carried out by squashing them between two large stone rollers. This is a more effective way to separate the oil and keep the process as natural as possible without the use of machines.
As organic olives are grown without the use of additives, they tend to have a much richer taste and color that makes them stand out over their non-organic counterparts. The "first pressed" types of organic olive oils, such as extra virgin, are usually also the more expensive to buy as they undergo the least amount of processing.
High in Monounsaturated Fat
This is known as the "good" fat that the body needs in order to function properly. And most people who live in countries that incorporate olive oil into their diets on a regular basis can stand testament to the benefits it provides. Monounsaturated fat is great for the heart and cardiovascular system as a whole, and can help to reduce the chances of heart attacks and strokes. It does this by lowering the levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, while raising the "good" HDL levels at the same time.
Good For Digestion
Olive oil has been shown to be of particular benefit to those who suffer from stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. As the oil is a much more effective and natural inducer of pancreatic hormones and bile in the body, it can help prevent the formation of gallstones.
The way the fatty acids are structured in organic olive oil is similar to that of the human body, which makes it very easy to digest. In fact, a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil is often given as a digestive aid in countries like Spain and Italy where the olives are indigenous.
Great Source of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a very powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent the damage inflicted by free radicals on the body. It also helps protect against heart disease and cancer. The recommended daily intake of vitamin E for adults is around 15mg.
A 100 gm serving of organic olive oil contains 19 mg.
If you are looking at the different options of organic olive oils that are available at the market, try to choose a variety that comes in an opaque container. A transparent bottle makes the contents more easily susceptible to light and heat, which can destroy the vitamin E content of the oil.
