Olive Oil Should Be Consumed with Caution

Points to Note on Olive Oil Consumption

Olive oil, which has found a place across a wide range of applications from foods on our tables to health products, serves as a shield against many diseases, making it an essential nutrient for our health. In order to maximize this benefit, certain rules must be followed when purchasing, storing and consuming olive oil. Uz. Dyt. Nihan Yakut from the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital shared important information about what should be considered in olive oil use.

Acidity Level Is Important

Olive oil, an indispensable part of our home and culture, comes in many varieties such as natural, natural first, organic natural, early harvest, cold-pressed, refined and riviera. What needs to be known in order to make the right choice is actually quite simple. Olive oil is a nutrient rich in a fatty acid called oleic acid. Oleic acid exists in many forms within the oil, but the freer its form, the better the flavor and quality of the olive oil. The acidity level, which is the leading quality criterion for olive oil, is determined by the free oleic acid form.

Do Not Prefer Riviera Olive Oil

• Natural virgin olive oil is known as the highest quality version of its class, with no defects in taste and aroma and an acidity level of 0.8%, and can be added to all foods from dishes to salads.
• Refined olive oil has an acidity level of 0.3%. It is obtained by refining the crude oil of olives using different methods without deterioration. It is preferred in frying rather than cooking.
• Riviera olive oil is obtained by mixing refined olive oil with different olive oils. That is, it is created through a mixture rather than a single pure product. The acidity level is approximately 1.5%. It can be added to dishes according to people's preferences.

The amount of oleic acid in olive oil is not at a level that can be perceived or distinguished by palate. However, when making a choice, it is important to pay attention to the information on the label in order to prefer a quality oil.

"Early Harvest" Has the Highest Nutritional Value

Another variety that should be kept somewhat separate from this classification is "early harvest" olive oil. It is made by harvesting olives just before they take on their dark color, usually in October.

Store in Dark Glass Bottles or Stainless Steel Chrome Nickel Tins

Once the right olive oil is selected and brought to the kitchen, there are certain rules to be followed in its storage. It is important to keep olive oil as far as possible from light, moisture and odors, and to keep storage temperatures at stable values.

The Most Important Actor in Mediterranean-Style Nutrition

With its rich content, olive oil is a friend to the immune system and is also very rich in polyphenol compounds. At the same time, it contains tocopherol, or vitamin E. The strong antioxidant activities of olive oils have been proven to prevent the formation of free radicals caused in the body by air pollution, environmental pollution, stress, smoking, poor nutrition and many other effects in everyday life, and to destroy these formations.

Should Be Consumed in Moderation

An individual without health problems can consume an average of 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil per day. However, when evaluating this amount, it is necessary to consider different oils used and fats already present in the content of food items.