We love to think that certain foods are “secret” fat loss weapons. Olive oil is one of them, and is considered a miracle food that Europeans use to stay young and lean... Marketing or reality?
European Secret For Leanness?
Olive oil is a staple food of the Mediterranean diet and one of the healthiest oils you can use on salads. It contains vitamin A, E, K, a load of antioxidants, which may help you slow down your aging process and keep a healthy-looking skin. But is it really a metabolism-boosting secret superfood? I doubt it. It does show some health benefits, but tropical oils (like coconut oil) pack a lot more nutrition, are much more stable and have a greater effect on fat loss.
Is Your olive oil Fake?
According to the US Pharmacopeial Convention, 16% of all olive oils on the market are adulterated in some manner.Because of different loopholes in labeling and commercial rights, corporations get away with importing olive oil mixed with corn, soybean or canola oils and still selling it as pure “olive oil”.
The Fridge Test
Is your olive oil legit? Use this simple test to find out:
- 1. Put your olive oil bottle in the fridge.
- 2. Wait overnight.
- 3. If it’s solid by morning then it’s real. If it’s liquid then it’s fake
The science behind this little experiment: real olive oil contains a lot of monounsaturated fats that harden when chilled, while fake olive oil will contain a ton of polyunsaturated fats (from soybean or canola oil) that will stay liquid.
Is It ok To Cook With olive oil?
Quality olive oil seems to be more stable under heat than other cold pressed oils, thanks to the high antioxidant content. That being said, stick with low to medium heat when cooking to make sure the oil doesn’t burn and loses delicate nutrients.
Olive oil Is Fragile: Keep It Safe!
The high polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats content in olive oil make it very prone to oxidation. Stick with small quantities of olive oil stored in dark or opaque bottles (or keep it in the dark at all times), and make sure to close the lid tightly after each use.
Confusing Claims
Olive oil is no different from other oils: if it has been refined at high temperatures, away goes the nutrition and here come the rancid and unhealthy damaged fats. How can you know you’re buying the right thing? Here are the claims you want to look for:
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Summary--> Cold pressed, organic, extra virgin olive oil from a small producer is your best bet.
--> Olive oil contains fragile unsaturated fats and burns easily. Never heat it too much or you’ll create the same dangerous inflammatory fats contained in refined vegetable oil.
--> Chances are olive oils you can find at your local supermarket are fake. Use the fridge test to be sure yours is legit.
--> Stick with olive oil in a dark or opaque bottle and close the lid tightly after each use to prevent it from going rancid.
