Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has long been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and has gained popularity across the globe for its numerous health benefits. However, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding this oil, leaving consumers wondering just how beneficial it really is. Luckily, a recent report has shed some light on the subject, highlighting the numerous health benefits of EVOO and putting to rest some of the most common myths. In this article, we will explore the findings of this report and delve deeper into the benefits of incorporating EVOO into your diet.
The Olive Wellness Institute has released its first Extra Virgin Olive Oil Health and Nutrition Report. The report focuses on the health advantages of extra virgin olive oil, along with the procedure of its making and how it differs from other olive oil grades. The study also covers useful tips on how to cook with extra virgin olive oil and the sustainability of olive oil production. Accredited dietitian Sian Armstrong revealed that the report’s primary objective is to educate healthcare professionals on the benefits of extra virgin olive oil, so they can pass on this knowledge to their patients. The report compares extra virgin olive oil’s nutrient composition to other common cooking oils, including canola oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. Also, the report confirms that extra virgin olive oil has up to 120 times more health-promoting bio phenols than canola oil. It highlights how cooking with sunflower oil produces more aldehydes, a carcinogen. Moreover, the report refutes the common myth that extra virgin olive oil cannot be used for high-temperature cooking due to its lower smoke point.
The Olive Wellness Institute’s report can become an advocacy tool for changing nutritional guidelines. Armstrong hopes that public health professionals will use the report’s information to push for changes to nutritional policies like the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Health Star Rating. The aim is to elevate cooking oils, especially extra virgin olive oil, in these policies as the current recommendations and rankings do not reflect the body of evidence accurately. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive guide to everything health and extra virgin olive oil.
In conclusion, the report clearly highlights the numerous health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil while also debunking many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding this ever-popular oil. From promoting heart health and reducing inflammation to combating cancer cells and aiding in weight loss, EVOO is truly a versatile and all-natural superfood. So the next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t hesitate to incorporate this delicious and nutritious oil into your cooking and daily routine. Your body will thank you for it.
