When buying olive oil, it is best to know the best type that can be consumed among the products offered in the shops, and here we will introduce you to its types, along with a quick tour of its benefits.
In this report, which was published by the Spanish magazine "MejorConSalud", the writer Sail Sanchez Arias said that olive oil of all kinds is an important source of "healthy omega-3" fatty acids, so it is recommended to consume it regularly, providing its types:
1- Extra virgin olive oil
It is considered one of the finest types of olive oil, and its pH does not exceed 0.8%.
Rich in healthy fats and prevents cardiovascular disease risk.
It is recommended to take it without exposing it to high temperatures, as this can increase the formation of harmful trans-fatty acids.
2- Good virgin olive oil
The pH levels in this variety are higher than those found in extra virgin olive oil.
We usually get this type of olive oil from the second squeeze of olive fruits or from a mixture between extra virgin olive oil and other lower quality varieties.
However, this does not mean that this type of olive oil is not recommended for consumption, but rather that it does not meet the same quality standards.
3- Lampante olive oil
This type of olive oil is not a product of the first press of olive fruits, and its pH reaches 2%.
It is not usually marketed in retail stores.
In theory, this oil is not recommended for consumption because it undergoes a refining process and is used to make ultra-processed products, and it is of inferior quality.
4- Refined olive oil
It is one of the most common consumable oils, and is obtained from refining of lower quality oils, making it a by-product.
This variety is usually less acidic than lambant olive oil, not to mention that it has a mild flavor.
5- Orujo oil
To produce this lower quality, the leftover olives are re-squeezed.
Despite the fact that the nutritional quality does not change, the flavor of this product does not make it suitable for consumption, so it is widely used in many industries.
Sometimes it is mixed with other high-quality oils to make it suitable for human consumption.
Regular consumption of different types of olive oil helps reduce levels of inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
However, the fact that it is high in calories cannot be denied.
Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid weight gain.
Olive oil of all kinds is an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.
It is often recommended to consume extra virgin olive oil because of its high quality.
Great importance to health
The German Society for Nutrition confirms that olive oil is of great importance for health, as it protects against heart diseases, helps to lose weight, and solves digestive problems.
The association explained that olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that reduce cholesterol levels.
It is also rich in oleuropein, which has an anti-oxidant effect, thus protecting against heart attacks.
To be clear, trans fats are better for health, and they should be consumed as much as possible as they are beneficial for lowering harmful cholesterol levels.
the heart
It also avoids the risks of cardiovascular disease, and this type of fat is divided into two parts: monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, according to their chemical composition.
As for saturated fats, it increases the risk of cardiovascular and brain diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
This type of fat is found in animal products, such as red meat and dairy products such as cheese, as well as whole milk, dark chocolate, butter, fish and egg yolks, and some vegetable oils such as palm and coconut oil are rich in saturated fats.
The German Society says that thanks to the olive oil’s high content of phenols and unsaturated fatty acids, olive oil activates the fat burning process, thus losing weight and enjoying fitness.
In addition, olive oil is a natural lubricant that helps food move through the large intestine, which helps stimulate the digestive process.
Studies indicate that olive oil consumption may play a role in preventing colon and breast cancer.
It may also play a role in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease through its ability to reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL).
Although most of the research has been conducted on the oil, consuming olives as a fruit may provide health benefits as well.