- What is Olive Oil?
- History of Olive Oil
- Nutritional Information of Olive Oil
- Proven Benefits of Olive Oil
- Choosing Olive Oil in New York, USA
- Read the label
- Best by date
- Look into the polyphenol levels
- Storing Olive Oil
- How to Store Olive Oil
Where to Get Olive Oil in New York, USA?
Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Oil
- Is it safe to take olive oil daily?
- Can Olive Oil displace healthy foods?
- Can you reuse olive oil?
- Is green olive oil better?
- Is drinking olive oil good for your skin?
- Can you take olive oil before bed?
- How can you tell if olive oil is pure?
- What happens if you drink olive oil every day?
- What is the best time to take olive oil?
- Does olive oil tighten skin?
Introduction
Olive oil is an easily recognizable ingredient due to its versatility in cooking and other applications. For thousands of years, it has been the cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine. Homer, the ancient Greek poet, referred to olive oil as “liquid gold.” Meanwhile, Greek physician Hippocrates referred to it as the “great healer” and recommended it for many medical conditions.
What is Olive Oil?
Olive oil is extracted from pressed ripe olives and is used in various ways. These include cooking, cosmetics, medicine, and soaps. It is also a source of fuel for traditional lamps. As a product, it originated in the Mediterranean, but it is now commonly used worldwide.
History of Olive Oil
While the exact origins of olive oil are unclear, the olive tree is believed to have been domesticated about 6,000 years ago in the Mediterranean basin. This makes it one of the world’s oldest cultivated fruit trees. In the Minoan civilization, olive oil was a symbol of prosperity, and ancient Syrian documents state that it was five times more costly than wine.
According to some studies, people in the Mediterranean region tend to live longer and have fewer heart attacks than northern Europeans and Americans. One factor is their diet. Most of the oils and fats present in their food are unsaturated, which are generally healthier. Ancel Keys, an American physiologist, made this discovery in the late 1950s, and it contributed to the formalization of what is now known as the Mediterranean diet.
Nutritional Profile of Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the best edible oils worldwide with its mild flavor, nutritional properties, and other characteristics. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here are the nutrition facts of one tablespoon or 14 grams of olive oil:
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.8 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 g |
| Potassium | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Today, you can buy three types of olive oil in the United States: extra-virgin olive oil, olive oil, and light-tasting olive oil.
Regular olive oil is commonly used in cooking most dishes, while extra-virgin olive oil (which accounts for 60% of all olive oil sold in North America) can be used in both cold and hot preparations. Since light-tasting olive oil has a neutral flavor, it can be used in cooking and baking when you don’t want the peppery taste of regular olive oil.
Proven Benefits of Olive Oil
The effects of dietary fat on well-being are debatable. However, experts agree that olive oil—especially the extra virgin variant—is good for you. Check out these proven benefits of olive oil for your health and culinary needs.
Health Benefits
Rich in monounsaturated oleic acid
According to Healthline, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. This fatty acid has been confirmed to have many beneficial effects and is a healthy choice for cooking. It aids in weight loss, heart disease prevention, and inflammation reduction.
Breast cancer preventionStudies reveal that women who consume more olive oil in their diet have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. According to a preliminary study published in JAMA Internal Medicine on Sept. 14, 2015, older women in Spain who ate a traditional Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Lower risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide. However, the consumption of olive oil lowers the chance of death from cardiovascular diseases than people who follow other diets. According to Medical News Today, some experts call olive oil “the standard in preventive medicine.”
People who replace saturated fats with olive oil as part of their diet seem to have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than those who consume more saturated fat daily. High cholesterol and blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease, so be mindful of what oil you take.
It may help prevent strokesSeveral major studies show that people who consume olive oil have a lower risk of stroke, which is the second leading cause of death in developing countries.
Lower risk of developing diabetes
Recent studies show that eating a diet rich in olive oil helps prevent diabetes, reducing glucose levels, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides. It avoids several diseases that are common to diabetic patients due to its cholesterol-lowering properties.
According to the American Diabetes Association’s publication “Diabetes Care,” olive oil will help reduce belly fat and improve insulin sensitivity. It added that consuming higher amounts of olive oil, about 15-20 grams per day, lowers the risk of developing diabetes.
The bottom line is that high-quality extra-virgin olive oil is highly nutritious. It benefits your heart, brain, joints, and other body parts thanks to its potent antioxidants. In fact, it may be the healthiest fat on the planet.
Culinary Benefits
Olive oil is used in various ways in the kitchen, depending on the country and the chef. It enhances the taste of foods and spices, provides a pleasing feel in the mouth, and satisfies the appetite. Because of its excellent health-boosting properties, it can be used to improve both savory and sweet dishes.
When it comes to deciding which type of oil to drizzle, home cooks from all over the world have a lot of choices. While others prefer coconut oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, and less familiar types, the love for olive oil is unwavering. Whether you’re looking for olive oil for sautéing or frying, make sure to read the labels first.
Olive Oil in New York, USA
Choosing Olive Oil in New York, USA
Looking for the perfect type of olive oil at the grocery store can be challenging, but if you follow a few simple guidelines, you’ll be able to find the freshest ones available.
Olive oils come in a wide range of flavors, and store shelves are undeniably loaded with them. It may seem difficult to assess their quality without having the opportunity to taste them but learning how to read their labels correctly will provide better insights.
Like everything else, olive oil comes with a “best by” date. However, unlike when you’re looking for good wine, the fresher the olive oil, the better. Without a date, you’re risking buying olive oil that isn’t as new as it should be.
Olive oil is at its best in its first two years. An older bottle probably won’t hurt you, but it slowly loses its flavors and benefits as time passes by. According to Coleman, olive oil harvests in the northern hemisphere, typically in Greece, Spain, and Italy, occur every October and November. If you want to buy the most recent bottle, look for the harvest date on the label.
Look into the polyphenol levels
Look for oils that are distinctly bitter and pungent in flavor because those are the ones that have higher phenol content. According to Coleman, “fresh oils have a pungent, lingering black pepper finish that gradually trails off in the back of the throat.” The fantastic and sometimes intense peppery sensation is a sign of genuine, high-quality olive oil.
When it comes to storing olive oil, there are two factors to consider: where it is stored and how it is stored. According to Profaci, light, heat, and air are the three enemies of olive oil.
Store olive oil in a cool, dry, dark cupboard away from heat and light. Choose a location in the kitchen that is not near the oven. The ideal temperature for storing oil is 57 degrees Fahrenheit, though room temperature or 70 degrees Fahrenheit is also acceptable.
Store olive oil in a dark-colored glass bottle or a stainless-steel container to keep out light, as this will shield the oil from direct sunlight. If you buy olive oil in a large tin, pour smaller amounts into a dark-colored bottle to use as needed.
It is also critical to limit the oil’s exposure to oxygen, as it can degrade the oil quality over time, eventually turning it rancid. Use the product as soon as possible after purchasing it, and always store it with a cap or lid.
Where to Get Olive Oil in New York, USA?
Whenever you need a supply of olive oil for your needs and demands, there are plenty of ways for you to get one. Check out these options.
Online Shops
As we live in a digital age, you can conveniently find online stores that sell olive oils. All you have to do is search or reach out to your friends if they know of a reliable shop for your needs.
Since the goods are delivered directly from the manufacturer or seller, you will get better offers and deals online. Besides, you can find almost any brand or item you’re looking for.
Fresh Fin Gourmet
For those who lack access to good olive oil in their local supermarkets, you can send us a message for the best ones in New York, USA. We offer Paesano Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is perfect for your next Italian dish.
Our Paesano Extra Virgin Olive Oil is:
- All-natural and unfiltered
- Grown and pressed in Sicily
- USDA Organic
Get it now for only $19.88! Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Paesano Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For beginners, Paesano Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a rare Italian olive oil. It has a spicy and herby aroma with a distinct and delicious flavor. This olive oil is a combination of three different Italian olives from Sicily: Nocellara Belice, Biancolilla, and Cerasuolo.
For orders in New York, USA, contact us via phone or email.
Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Oil
In this section, we will answer the frequently asked questions.
Is it safe to take olive oil daily?
There is still no clear answer to this question. While drinking olive oil may provide several potential health benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider.
Healthline says that some people in the Mediterranean region drink 1/4 cup (60 ml) of olive oil every morning. In fact, some people believe that drinking olive oil has more benefits than eating it. Nonetheless, there is no research to back up this statement.
If you get insufficient amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids from your diet, drinking a couple of tablespoons of olive oil daily may help you meet the recommended amount.
Can olive oil displace healthy foods?
Although olive oil is a good source of fat, it is not as nutritious as whole foods. Too much consumption may displace healthier foods such as other healthy fats, vegetables, and proteins.
Can you reuse olive oil?
Yes, studies have shown that reusing olive oil is safe.
Is green olive oil better?
Color is not an indicator of olive oil quality or flavor. The color of high-quality olive oils ranges from pale yellow to dark green. This depends on factors such as the olive variety, where it’s grown, climate, and harvest timing.
Is drinking olive oil good for your skin?
Olive oil is an antioxidant, which means it can help protect your body from chemicals that can potentially damage cells and contribute to the development of cancer. Antioxidants, when applied to the skin, may also help prevent premature aging.
Can you take olive oil before bed?
Yes, it is in fact advantageous to take olive oil before going to bed. According to Nuvo, those who are sleep deprived may benefit from the medicinal properties of good olive oil. It can help you fall asleep and sleep better.
Using good olive oil as a sleep remedy can help you relax by reducing everyday inflammation, which can be a source of anxiety. This is a significant contributor to elevated heart rate. With good olive oil, you can reduce the effects of inflammation, thereby slowing the heart rate.
How can you tell if olive oil is pure?
Olive oil must pass lab analyses and sensory tests set by the Madrid-based International Olive Council in order to be classified as extra-virgin—the highest grade.
Many manufacturers label their bottles “extra virgin,” but the oil could actually have been diluted with sunflower, soybean, or other nut oils. True olive oil should have a light, fresh aroma, similar to grass or fruit. Avoid anything that has a musty, rancid, or even odorless smell.
What happens if you drink olive oil every day?
Olive oil is a healthy fat with anti-inflammatory properties. Taking it regularly may improve your heart condition, bone structure, and digestive health. It can also help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
What is the best time to take olive oil?
Some people take olive oil first thing in the morning. Others swear by the benefits of taking olive oil before going to bed. Morning proponents claim that taking a shot of extra virgin olive oil on an empty stomach kickstarts digestion and allows for optimal absorption into your system.
If you’re trying it for the first time, start small and work your way up. Begin with one tablespoon of oil at a time. This should be enough to provide the health benefits you seek, but not enough to upset your digestive system.
Does olive oil tighten skin?
Natural oils, such as olive oil, can help tighten loose skin. In fact, it is high in antioxidants such as vitamin A and E, which have anti-aging properties. Warm a small amount of oil and massage it onto your skin in a circular motion with your fingers for 20 minutes. Do this once a day, before going to bed.
Conclusion
Olive oil has many benefits and applications. Whether you’re using it for cooking or taking it for the health benefits, it is important for you to stock up on high-quality products. Contact Fresh Fin Gourmet for your supplies! Email us today.