Embrace the Healthy Benefits of Olive Oil

Who is not familiar with the unanimous benefits of using olive oil? It is often recommended to switch to olive oil as soon as you opt for a healthy lifestyle. It is a great choice to consume for heart patients. But not only that, there are other benefits too that we will be discussing in this blog.

Different Varieties of Olive Oil

Do the different kinds of olive oil you come across in the oil aisle confuse you? If your answer is yes, then you have landed at the right place. The different varieties of olive oil found at superstores are based on how refined it is. The three levels of refinedness are

Refined

Refined olive oil undergoes different levels of refinement and is the most refined form of olive oil. It is almost colorless and has no taste or smell. Along with the color, taste, and smell, refined olive oil also loses some antioxidant and healthy fats.

Virgin

Virgin olive oil is refined to some extent but the taste smell and color are preserved but still lighter than extra virgin olive oil.

Extra virgin

Extra virgin olive oil is the purest and the healthiest form. This is prepared by only cold pressing the olives and does not undergo any procedures for refining. Extra virgin olive oil is the best to use, especially for cooking purposes, as, all the essential fatty acids and antioxidants are preserved.

Common Myths About Olive Oil

Many old tales about olive oil simply aren’t true. 

For instance, refrigerating olive oil to see if it solidifies is a worthless “purity test”. Genuine extra-virgin olive oil may cloud or thicken in the cold, but so can other oils; so, this home trick often gives false results. 

Another myth is that a darker or greener oil is inherently better. In reality, color depends on the olive variety and harvest timing, not quality. 

People also think “light” olive oil has fewer calories, but all oils pack about 120 calories per tablespoon. Even the scary claim that 80% of olive oil is fake has been debunked: testing shows roughly 98% of bottles on the market are authentic. 

And despite a reputation for low heat tolerance, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil actually handles cooking well; it has a moderate smoke point (~375–405°F) and its antioxidants make it fairly stable under heat. 

The bottom line: don’t judge olive oil by age-old myths. Choose well-made extra-virgin olive oil and store it in a cool, dark place instead of relying on myths.

Olive Oil Benefits

Olive oil is widely known for its benefits for mankind and is often consumed by health-conscious people. Let’s discuss its benefits briefly for those who are unaware,

Olive oil for consumption

Olive oil is consumed in various ways. It is used as a dressing in salads as well as for cooking purposes. Olive oil if consumed poses countless health benefits

• Best for heart health, diabetes, and obesity.
• It is found to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and also to improve mental health.
• It is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
• It possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive oil for hair

Olive oil seeps into the hair and therefore more effectively provides moisture and nourishment to the hair. However, it is not recommended to use it directly on the scalp.

Olive oil for skin

Olive oil is very gentle on the skin and like other oils provides moisture to the skin. Besides that, it is observed to reverse the signs of aging and dryness. It also exfoliates the skin and hence brightens the skin tone.

Olive oil for massage

Olive oil is traditionally used for massaging especially the babies. This oil is known to moisturize the skin as well as reduce muscle tension, aches, inflammation, and spasms and improve blood flow. As a result, you feel more relaxed post-massage.

Bottom line

Olive oil is available in I market in different forms which often confuses one but the extra virgin is the best and purest of all, especially for consumption. It provides countless health benefits and can be used to eat and apply both. It is a real gift of mother nature to mankind.

FAQs

Is extra virgin olive oil healthier than regular olive oil? 

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is pressed without heat or chemicals, so it retains more natural antioxidants. These give EVOO its superior flavor and may offer extra anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s generally recommended for salads and finishing dishes for its taste, while regular olive oil still provides healthy fats.

Can olive oil help with weight management? 

It can, when used wisely. Olive oil is calorie-dense, so it should replace other fats (not just add on). Olive oil’s fats can promote fullness, helping curb overeating. 

Is olive oil good for heart health? 

Absolutely. Decades of research associate olive oil with cardiovascular benefits. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil help reduce LDL cholesterol and inflammation.

Does olive oil improve skin and hair health? 

Olive oil can benefit skin and hair’s appearance, though it’s not a magic cure. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fats that moisturize and soothe. For skin, applying extra-virgin olive oil can improve hydration and skin barrier function. For hair, olive oil is often used as a natural conditioner: it can soothe the scalp and strengthen hair follicles.

Can I replace butter or ghee with olive oil in my diet? 

Yes, it’s a heart-healthier swap. Butter and ghee are high in saturated fats, which can raise LDL cholesterol. Olive oil’s monounsaturated fats are kinder to your arteries. Using olive oil in place of butter or ghee (for cooking or baking) can improve cholesterol profiles over time.

Approved by Certified Dietitian