Health Benefits of Olive Oil: Why Olive Oil may be the key to a longer, healthier life?
At Chenab Gourmet we’re huge fans of Olive Oil in all its forms. From the prized Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to Light Olive Oil, we believe in the health benefits and taste factor of Olive Oil. Both Spanish (sold under our Sol range) and Italian (sold under our Dolce Vita range) are excellent in terms of their taste, aroma and health benefits. In fact there has been a slew of research that has actually bolstered our belief in this amazing ingredient. Turns out that Olive Oil isn’t just a tastier alternative; it may also lead to a longer and healthier life for those who consume it. In this article, we will explore why this is and try to give you a clearer picture of the same. So let’s begin shall we?
1. New studies show that Olive Oil can help stave off a tonne of diseases
Well it turns out that swapping out butter and other trans-fat rich spreads and replacing them with good old olive oil, can help you live longer. According to Harvard’s, T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s research, folks who consume just ½ a teaspoon of olive oil per day are less likely to contract and succumb to diseases such as heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, or lung diseases, compared to people who do not consume this healthy fat. Of course, this comes with the addendum that people must combine this consumption with healthy practices and habits.
2. Substituting unhealthy fats with Olive Oil seriously increases your health quotient
The Nurses’ Health and Health Professionals Study, a study that went on from 1990 to 2018, developed statistical models to simulate simple substitutions where a person swapped out 3/4 a tablespoon of margarine, butter, mayonnaise or other vegetable oils with olive oil. The results over time were dramatic. It reduced the chances of dying from all causes. No other oil including vegetable oils such as canola, corn, safflower and soybean, had the same effect as Olive Oil did. Here are some of the amazing stats the study unearthed: those who consumed more than 1/2 a tablespoon of Olive Oil a day had a 19% lower risk of dying from heart disease, a 17% lower risk of dying from cancer, a 29% lower risk of dying from a neurodegenerative disease, and an 18% lower risk of dying from lung disease, than those who didn’t consume Olive Oil.
3. The Mediterranean Diet Effect: Leveraging the Health Benefits of Olive Oil.
Nutritionists and healthcare professionals all sing the praises of the Mediterranean diet. The emphasis on clean flavours, fresh ingredients, olive oil (that is rich in polyphenols) and other ingredients that are rich in Omega-3 and other heart healthy fats are all significant contributors to the health benefits of this diet. In fact, according to Dr. Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition, food studies and public health, “Olive oil is part of the classic heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. This style of eating includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and lean protein, and is low in processed foods.” This makes it one of the healthiest diets on the planet.
4. The best way to consume Olive Oil
We may think we’re eating healthy, when we order a ‘fresh’ salad at a restaurant. However most dressings, either commercially made or created at a restaurant have at least 4 tablespoons of oil or fat in one form or another. The best way to consume olive oil therefore, according to Meghan McLarney, a dietician at Nebraska Medical in Omaha is, “”If a recipe calls for butter, cut out half of the butter and replace it with olive oil.” She further adds, “this blend is a great way of transitioning and introducing a healthier fat but keeping the flavor.”
Swapping out butter or margarine for olive oil or infused olive oil can make a great flavoring on whole grains, vegetables and proteins.” Olive oil can be used in baking, grilling and broiling as well.
A note on Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Extra Light Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest grade of olive oil. It has an extremely distinctive aroma and flavour. It is ideal for sauteing and as the base of vinaigrettes in salads. This means that it’s’ utility in the kitchen is biased towards garnishing and light frying, suitable in Mediterranean cuisine, but not too many others. This grade of Olive Oil is unsuitable for deep frying as it has a lower smoking point, and deep frying will result in the loss of aroma and distinctive taste. EVOO is a precious commodity and comes at a much higher price point.
Extra Light Olive Oil on the other hand, can be used in all types of cooking, as it has none of the strong, distinctive taste and aroma of EVOO. However it retains all of the goodness and health benefits of EVOO. It can therefore be used in cooking methods including deep frying and in a variety of cuisines including Asian and American food. ELOO is priced more reasonably and can be used in everyday cooking.
Olive oil is an amazing ingredient. Even if you ignore its flavour profile and aroma, it’s health benefits and life-span improvement alone ought to make it a staple in your pantries. Begin your exploration of this wonderful ingredient with us by visiting our online store at www.chenabgourmet.com
Dolce Vita Italian Extra Light Olive Oil
Original price was: ₹3,315.00.₹2,652.00Current price is: ₹2,652.00. Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Dolce Vita Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Original price was: ₹1,865.00.₹1,585.00Current price is: ₹1,585.00. Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Dolce Vita Italian Pure Olive Oil
₹1,474.00 – ₹2,652.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sol 100% Spanish Extra Light Olive Oil
₹2,818.00 – ₹12,068.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sol 100% Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil
₹499.00 – ₹12,296.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sol 100% Spanish Olive Oil
₹472.00 – ₹13,576.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
