Extra Virgin Olive Oil Health Benefits

Cooking with saturated fats like butter is bad for your health. In their place, you should substitute extra virgin olive oil, which is a much healthier alternative fat that tastes just as good (if not better). Olive oil is a natural juice from the olive fruit and contains monounsaturated fat, which actually has numerous health benefits rather than the health risks associated with other fats.

Reasons for Switching to Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Unlike butter, olive oil actually lowers your risk of heart disease by lowering the bad cholesterol levels in your blood. Replacing other fats in your diet with extra virgin olive oil can significantly lower your blood pressure.
Olive oil has shown the ability to inhibit the growth of some cancers, including breast, colon and prostate cancers.
Combining a low-fat diet with olive oil is linked to better control of blood sugar levels and can benefit people at risk for diabetes.
Sticking to a Mediterranean style diet of olive oil, raw vegetables, soups, and poultry is associated with a significantly lower risk of overall mortality.

Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The best oil to buy is Grade-A Extra Virgin Olive Oil, sometimes called Fancy Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which contains no more than 0.8% acidity, has a superior taste and is free from defects. Also, if it is organic or hand-picked, that’s even better. In contrast, be sure to stay clear of bottles labeled 100% Pure Olive Oil, as this is often the lowest quality available in a retail store.