Olive Oil Benefits, Olive Oil Usage

What is Olive Oil?

Olive oil is a widely used type of oil obtained from the olive fruit. Olive oil is produced by crushing and pressing olives by mechanical or chemical methods. Basically, for olive oil production, olives are pitted, then the olives are crushed or pressed and the resulting crude oil is purified through a series of processes.

Olive oil is considered among the healthy fats and is used in many dishes and cooking. It can also be used in cosmetics, soaps and medicines. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and has antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial for heart health. In addition, olive oil contains plenty of vitamin E and can also be beneficial for skin health.

What are the Types of Olive Oil?

Olive oil varieties can often differ according to production methods, the quality of the olives and their degree of purity. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It is the purest and highest quality type of olive oil. Olives are cold pressed by mechanical methods and are not subjected to any chemical treatment before processing. The acidity level is below 0.8%.

High Quality Olive Oil (Virgin Olive Oil): Similar to extra virgin olive oil, but with a slightly higher acidity (up to 2%). It is still a high quality and natural olive oil.

Unrefined Olive Oil (Pure Olive Oil): Unrefined olive oil is olive oil extracted from lower quality olives or by mechanical methods, but of lower quality compared to extra virgin or high quality olive oils. The acidity level can be between 3% and 4%.

Refined Olive Oil: Refined olive oil is olive oil of lower quality, obtained through chemical processes or heating. It can then be blended with unrefined olive oil to improve the quality of extra virgin or high-quality olive oil.

Lampante Olive Oil: This olive oil is not suitable for human consumption and is often used for different purposes, such as industrial or soap production. It is of poor taste and quality and has an acidity of over 3%.

Each of these varieties has different uses and flavor profiles. For example, extra virgin olive oil is perfect for raw use, while refined olive oil is generally preferred for cooking and frying.

Where is Olive Oil Used?

Olive oil is a versatile oil used in a wide variety of dishes and cooking techniques. It has a wide range of uses in the kitchen. First of all, olive oil is frequently used in salads. By adding it on salads or using it as a dressing, it enhances their flavor and offers a healthy alternative. Olive oil is also widely preferred for making appetizers and sauces.

Olive oil can also be used in cooking methods that require high heat, such as frying and sautéing. Thanks to its high smoke point, it is more resistant than other oils and allows food to brown without overdoing it. Olive oil also adds a mild flavor and aroma to food during cooking.

Olive oil can also be used in desserts and pastries. Especially in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is often preferred for cakes, cookies and desserts. Olive oil adds a characteristic flavor and touch to these desserts.

Olive oil can also be used in breakfast foods. Spread on bread or used in omelettes and egg dishes, it provides a rich flavor and nutritional value.
Finally, olive oil is also used in the making of cosmetics and soaps. It can be used as a moisturizer for skin care or in hair care. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it is thought to have skin and hair benefits.

Olive Oil Nutritional Value

Olive oil is a nutritious and healthy source of fat. It contains about 100% fats, and these fats mostly contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. Oleic acid is a type of fatty acid that is beneficial for heart health. Furthermore, olive oil is rich in antioxidants. In particular, it contains vitamin E and polyphenols. These antioxidants can fight free radicals in the body, reducing cellular damage and helping to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Olive oil is also a source of other fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins K and A. These nutrients support various functions of the body and are important for a healthy life. However, olive oil is a high-calorie oil, so portion control is important.

What are the Benefits of Olive Oil?

The benefits of olive oil are as follows:

1. Protects heart health.

2. Reduces cellular damage with its antioxidant content.

3. Reduces inflammation.

4. Supports the digestive system.

5. Strengthens bone health.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin

Among the skin benefits of olive oil, its moisturizing properties stand out. Thanks to its rich content, it nourishes the skin, eliminates dryness and strengthens the skin barrier. Due to its antioxidants, it delays skin aging and reduces the formation of blemishes by fighting free radicals in the skin. In addition, olive oil keeps the skin soft and supple, thus helping to achieve a healthier skin appearance.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair

The benefits of olive oil for hair include nourishing and moisturizing the hair. It repairs dry and damaged hair, strengthens the hair strands and increases the shine of the hair. It also moisturizes the scalp and reduces dandruff formation. Olive oil maintains the moisture balance of the hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant. Therefore, when used regularly, olive oil can improve the overall health and appearance of the hair.