Mr Gut Health has been sharing his Mediterranean diet journey for years now, and has offered a handy tip for those looking to buy some olive oil in the supermarket
20:52, 07 Feb 2025Updated 20:52, 07 Feb 2025
If you want the best quality olive oil, there are a few things on the label you must check(Image: (Image: Getty))
Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, stands as a cornerstone of the universally lauded Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health-boosting properties. Healthline cites that this variety is abundant in beneficial monounsaturated fats known to alleviate inflammation and diminish oxidative stress.
In addition, it’s brimming with vitamins; a single tablespoon offers an impressive amount of vitamin K and E.
However, when perusing the supermarket aisles for that perfect bottle, the array of choices can be outright baffling. But there’s no need to fret, as a gut health specialist has revealed a crucial shopping tip via TikTok.
Mr Gut Health, a devoted follower of the Mediterranean lifestyle and a knowledgeable gut health scientist, suggests shoppers should always scrutinize the label to spot authentic olive oil.
He divulges three essential indicators that help distinguish true extra virgin olive oil – the most vital being the label’s declaration. He advises: “If it says extra virgin, then it’s pretty much guaranteed.”, reports the Express.
This designation signifies that the olive oil is unprocessed, preserving its original flavour, vitamins, minerals, and free from any exposure to heat or chemical processing.
When delving into the world of olive oil, it’s crucial to discern its origins, which should be transparent on the product label. Brandishing a bottle of Filippo Berio, the expert pointed out: “Some EVOO, like this one, uses olives from different countries.”
He added, “Whilst oil from the one country might be better for traceability, using olives from different countries is fine.”
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The third key factor to consider is a telling sentence often found on the back of the bottle, which reveals much about the production process.
Turning the bottle around and quoting the label, he read: “Superior category olive oil obtained directly from olives and solely by mechanical means.”
This phrase confirms that the oil has been extracted in a way that retains its nutritional value. And just so you know, cooking with EVOO is not only possible but also a healthier alternative to using butter or tallow.