5 Types of Olive Oils You Should Know
When we think of pure and healthy oil, we think olive oil. The heavenly olive oil’s benefits are infinite. Olive oil is not just perfect for health, it is also wonderful for hair and skin care. Olive oil is derived from the fruit of the olive grove. Olives are first harvested by hand or mechanically according to the area and horizon. The olives are ground, pressed, filtered, and bottled to package carefully to deliver to your home, pure and hygienic.
The oil is extracted in different steps and stages of extraction. The purest form of olive oil is extra virgin olive oil which is renowned for being the healthiest oil for health. then other types of olive oil are derived at different stages of the operations.
Olive oil is widely used in cooking and is known for its health benefits and distinctive flavor. The purest olive oil is rarely derived in types of olive oil in Pakistan owing to its difficult processing. The best original olive oil brand in Pakistan, among few, is Pureganics as it produces the best and purest olive oil.
Let’s discuss the types of olive oil and their benefits for health.
Types of Olive Oil
There are several types of olive oil, including extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, refined olive oil, and pomace oil. Extra virgin olive oil is considered the highest quality and is made from pure, cold-pressed olives without any chemical or heat treatment. It has a distinct flavor, aroma, and color and is often used for dressing salads, pouring over cooked vegetables, and dipping bread.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is the highest quality, purest, tastiest, and is sold at the highest olive oil price in Pakistan. The operation for this delight is also difficult and must be carefully executed for satisfying results. The organic olive oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that keeps the heart and brain health restored and well.
Extra virgin oil is made by mechanically pressing olives without the use of heat or chemicals, and it has the lowest acidity level (less than 0.8%). Extra virgin olive oil has a rich flavor, fruity aroma, and is considered the healthiest option due to its high levels of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It is typically used for dressing salads, drizzling over cooked dishes, or dipping with bread.
Recent research has revealed that persons who consume more than half a tablespoon of original zaitoon oil daily have a lower risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular issues. Extra virgin olive oil is known to be high in monounsaturated fatty acids.
2. Virgin Olive Oil
This is also produced by mechanically pressing olives, but it has a slightly higher acidity level (up to 2%) compared to zaitoon oil. Virgin olive oil has a milder flavor and aroma compared to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and it is suitable for cooking, sautéing, and baking.
The virgin is the best olive oil for weight loss as it is rich in monounsaturated fats and medium chain triglycerides, both remarkable for burning stubborn fats. This is also the best olive oil for cooking which is not suitable with extra virgin olive oil.
3. Pure Olive Oil
This is created with the blending of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil. Refined olive oil is made by refining virgin olive oil using chemical or heat treatments to remove impurities and improve the flavor. Pure olive oil has a lighter color, milder flavor, and higher smoke point, which makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying.
4. Light Olive Oil
Contrary to its name, “light” olive oil does not refer to its calorie or fat content, but rather to its mild flavor and lighter color. It is a refined olive oil that has been treated with heat and/or chemicals to remove impurities and has a neutral taste. Light olive oil is suitable for cooking methods that require a mild-flavored oil, such as baking or stir-frying.
5. Extra Light Olive Oil
Similar to light olive oil, extra light olive oil is also a refined olive oil that has a very mild flavor and color. It is the most processed type of olive oil and has the highest smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like deep frying.
The lowest quality olive oil on the market is called “pomace,” and it is made from the leftover oil and water from the actual fruit pressing process. Pomace olive oil for cooking is renowned for cooking tasty meals.
Benefit of Olives
Olive oil is known for its numerous health benefits, which include:
Heart Health: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid, which is known to be heart-healthy. Olive oil for cooking works wonders for heart and brain health.
Antioxidant properties: Olive oil is a good source of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which can help neutralize free radicals in the body.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Weight management: The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can help increase satiety, or the feeling of fullness, which may help prevent overeating. It is also a healthier alternative to other cooking oils and fats, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
Skin and hair health: Olive oil is often used in skincare and hair care products due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. The antioxidants in olive oil for face can help protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors. Olive oil for skin whitening is a miraculous remedy for dull complexions.
Digestive health: Eating olive oil has shown to have a beneficial effect on digestive health. It can help stimulate the production of bile, which is important for digestion and nutrient absorption.
Brain health: Some studies suggest that the monounsaturated fats in olive oil may have a protective effect on brain health. The antioxidants in olive oil can help reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against injurious diseases.
Conclusion
Among the best olive oil brands in Pakistan, the best-selling type of olive oil is the extra virgin olive oil for its unique and ultimate health benefits. The other types of olive oil are thoroughly discussed for your information. Keeping all the health details in mind, get the purest olive oil from our store for eating purposes. For cooking, the best oil would be the extra light olive oil and the pomace.
The rest wholly depends upon your personal likes and requirements. It’s important to note that while olive oil can be a healthy addition to a diet, it should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, as it is high in calories. Always use the oil in a moderate fraction.
