If olives are technically a fruit, could olive oil be considered a type of fruit juice?
While we may not typically group it with apple or orange juice, there’s a reason olive oil has been prized for centuries.
Read Also: Tips To Choose Breakfast Foods For Better Blood Sugar
In addition to its use in cooking, olive oil is also popular in skincare, hair care, and as a remedy for sore throats and wounds.
Though you might think of it as less healthy than typical fruit juices, olive oil actually offers a range of health benefits when consumed regularly.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil is packed with health-boosting properties.
It’s rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which can help raise “good” HDL cholesterol and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. In fact, olive oil contains more MUFAs than any other plant-based cooking oil.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in olive oil may also assist in reducing plaque buildup in arteries and protecting the body from harmful substances associated with chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Types of Olive Oil
While all olive oils provide health benefits, their nutritional quality varies due to differences in the levels of polyphenols and antioxidants, which offer anti-inflammatory and protective effects.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): The least processed type, EVOO retains the highest levels of polyphenols and antioxidants. It’s made using a single extraction process, which helps preserve these beneficial compounds.
- Virgin Olive Oil (VOO): Slightly more processed, VOO still retains most of the polyphenols and antioxidants found in EVOO, though its flavor is milder.
- Light, Pure, and Refined Olive Oils: These are the most processed options, with the mildest flavor, but they contain far fewer beneficial compounds.
