Extra virgin olive oil is often considered the healthiest type of olive oil, but there’s one mistake you need to avoid
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Good quality olive oil can be tremendously good for your health, and it’s an integral element of the favoured Mediterranean diet.
Especially the extra virgin variety is loaded with potential advantages – it boasts healthy monounsaturated fats that are known to diminish inflammation and oxidative stress, as cited by Healthline. It’s a rich source of essential vitamins too, with a single tablespoon providing ample amounts of vitamins K and E.
But, when scouring the supermarket aisles for a bottle, the array of choices can make the selection process quite daunting. A gut health expert has revealed a pivotal mistake to avoid during your olive oil hunt – not checking the label properly, reports the Express.
TikTok user and gut health investigator Mr Gut Health, who’s detailed his experience with the Mediterranean diet over several years, has divulged the secrets to identifying authentic olive oil on store shelves. He underlines three vital signs that point towards genuine olive oil – with the foremost being paramount.
(Image: (Image: Getty))
The expert says: “If it says extra virgin, then it’s pretty much guaranteed.”
Extra virgin indicates that the olive oil is unrefined, preserving more of its natural essence, vitamins, and minerals, not to mention it’s crafted without employing heat or any chemical substances. When selecting olive oil, it’s crucial to identify its origin, which should be clearly stated on the label.
Demonstrating with a bottle of Filippo Berio, the expert said: “Some EVOO, like this one, uses olives from different countries.
“Whilst oil from the one country might be better for traceability, using olives from different countries is fine.”
The third key factor to consider is a specific sentence typically found on the back of the bottle, which reveals the production method. Turning the bottle around to read the label, he explained: “Superior category olive oil obtained directly from olives and solely by mechanical means.”
He emphasised that this statement guarantees the oil has been extracted in a way that retains its nutritional value. He also pointed out: “This ensures that the oil has been extracted properly to preserve its nutrients. And FYI, you can cook with EVOO, and it’s much healthier to use than butter or tallow.”
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Dining and Cooking