Tag: Cooking with olive oil

According to the European Food Safety Authority, olive oils with high levels of polyphenols can bear a 'medical-grade' health claim. Given this, many wonder: can you use medical olive oil for cooking, or is it strictly for therapeutic use? The answer hinges on understanding what "medical" means for olive oil and how processing affects its composition.

A Yale School of Medicine study indicates a link between high olive oil consumption and a lower overall risk of death. This raises the question: is it okay to have olive oil every day? Generally, moderate daily consumption is considered beneficial.

According to a 2022 study, those who consumed the highest amounts of olive oil had a 31% lower risk of developing cancer, an observation that raises interest in specific brands. When it comes to popular kitchen staples, many people ask, "is Bertolli olive oil healthy?" The answer depends largely on which type of Bertolli olive oil you choose.

Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and least refined grade, produced by cold-pressing olives, which preserves more of its natural antioxidants and distinctive flavor. Understanding the key differences between this and extra light olive oil is crucial for making the right culinary and health-conscious decisions.

According to the International Olive Council, Greece boasts one of the world's highest per capita olive oil consumptions, exceeding 9 kg annually, a figure that has dropped slightly in recent years but remains significant. The answer to why Greeks eat so much olive oil is a complex tapestry woven from thousands of years of history, culinary tradition, and a deep-seated appreciation for its health benefits.

With Greece being one of the world's top producers and consumers of olive oil, it is no surprise that this "liquid gold" is the cornerstone of Greek cooking. But what oils do Greeks use to cook with for different purposes, and how does this tradition impact their culinary style and health?

According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended intake for added oils is about 27 grams, or just under 2 tablespoons, for a 2,000-calorie diet. Determining exactly how much olive oil should we consume per day depends on your dietary pattern and individual health goals, but experts generally advise moderation.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming about 1.5 tablespoons (22 grams) of high-oleic acid oils like olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. This provides a specific guideline for incorporating this healthy fat into your diet for cardiovascular benefits.

The Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its health benefits, is underpinned by one staple ingredient: olive oil. Its versatility, however, extends far beyond cooking, making it a powerful tool for personal care and green cleaning as well.

According to nutrition data, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil contain approximately 240 calories. As a cornerstone of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, this common cooking and finishing oil is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are a concentrated source of energy. Understanding the caloric value of extra virgin olive oil is key for balanced meal planning and portion control.