history
The exact origin of olive oil remains unknown, but evidence of the existence of olives dates back more than 6000 years ago. As one of the oldest cultivated trees , was first developed in Crete, Greece in 3500BC . At this time, the spread of trees in the Mediterranean basin , including the coasts of Africa and southern Europe. In 2000 BC , olives were found in Egyptian tombs , in addition, this date is when the culture began to play an important role in the economy of Crete. Crete started the first export olive in Greece , Asia Minor and North Africa . Olives are a luxury in Greece and became not only a food, but it was very popular as a beauty treatment.
Types of oil
Most countries use the International Olive Council to define quality and standards, but the United States does not meet these standards. Instead, after the Classification System United States , 1948, USDA , which includes the following qualities: extra virgin , virgin pomace oil , refined, pure, refined , pomace and lightened . Please read on for a description of the most common types :
Extra oil - virgin quality is due to its high content of minerals and vitamins. For olive oil is considered extra virgin , the oil must be produced by extraction methods that do not contain chemicals or hot water, cold-pressed , have a level of less than 1 percent acidity , and have a taste perfect.
Virgin oil and extra virgin olive oil is the first pressing and produced without chemicals or hot and cold water , but the virgin oil may contain an acidity of up to 3.3 percent. The taste will vary and the flavor is less sweet than the extra virgin varieties.
Refined olive oil is created by refining virgin oil . The acidity is greater than 3.3 percent, the finished product is of bad taste and odor is unpleasant.
Pure olive oil is a blend of virgin and refined. It has the same acidity level as virgin and can withstand high temperatures. The nutritional content is less than the virgin oil , which makes low cost compared to high quality oils . Pure oil is commonly used as all-purpose oil .
Light and ultra-light are types of oils , contrary to its name contains fewer calories , they are a blend of refined oils that are made from lower quality oils by chemical treatment .
Health Benefits
Olive oil comprises monounsaturated fat, which is considered a healthy fat . Presentation of the monounsaturated fats in your diet is healthier than the consumption of saturated and trans fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats offer a lot of health benefits when used in moderation. The following is a list of all the wonderful health benefits it can bestow.
It has the ability to lower blood pressure because it contains beneficial antioxidants , which are more frequent in the extra virgin olive oil . Antioxidants called polyphenols , are considered the main source to help lower systolic and diastolic pressure. To receive maximum benefits , men should consume four tablespoons and women should eat three tablespoons daily .
Research has shown that monounsaturated fatty acids , which are found in olive oil , which contain oleic acid and is capable of reducing the occurrence of cancer . Oleic acid is capable of reducing the effect of the formation of the cancer gene called oncogene . Olive oil is noteworthy to contribute positive breast , prostate and colon cancers .
Olive oil is able to control blood glucose , particularly by reducing the level of glucose in the blood. Frontera diabetic or diabetic - line are responsible for following a low fat , high carb . Olive oil can help control blood sugar , diabetics even if they switch to a high-fat diet , knowing that most of the fat comes from the olive oil.
Monounsaturated fats are found in vegetable oils are better to control the good and bad cholesterol . Consumption can help your body get rid of the bad cholesterol known as LDL cholesterol. In addition , this oil has no negative effect on the levels of good cholesterol, known as HDL cholesterol. In fact, it may even increase HLD cholesterol providing a double benefit .
Researchers say the extra virgin variety contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient. The oleocanthal ingredient allows acting as a pain reducer , as in aspirin counter . It will not give immediate results , but may give pain reduction benefits in case of constant intake over time.
Cooking with olive oil
Now that the health benefits have been explained , we will discuss some of the common methods of cooking with this oil.
High quality, extra virgin oils should be reserved for use in dressings, sauces , and dressings . Replace oil butter roasted potatoes , vegetables or brush or cooked fish. Sprinkle with rosemary , basil , cracked black pepper and sea salt on the extra virgin olive oil for a delicious dip for bread .
If you are jumping or fry , choose a combination that oil is a mixture of extra virgin olive oil regularly . Use olive oil for frying quality works well due to its high 410 degrees Fahrenheit smoke point.
An additional way to incorporate olive oil into your diet: do not use oil - stick when a recipe calls for butter or cooking spray. Pour into pan and spread evenly with a paper towel to ensure complete coverage.
Who should avoid olive oil
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