Know 10+ Myths about Extra Virgin Olive oil? – Here we revealed!

Do you want to add more flavors to your food in a healthy yet delicious way? Adding a few drops of virgin olive oil can transform your food taste. Olive oil is the healthiest fat that brings nutrition & taste to your dishes. Incorporating virgin olive oil into your meals is low in calories.

There are three types of olive oil: refined, virgin & extra virgin olive oil. Due to its popularity, there are multiple myths & misconceptions about virgin olive oil that needs to be revealed. Here in this blog, we will reveal 10+ myths about extra virgin oil & facts behind them!

10+ Myths & Facts about Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Myth: First, cold, pressed virgin olive oil is always a better option to choose

Fact: Most olive oil is not extracted by pressing. These are also extracted by using a mechanical process known as centrifugation. This centrifuge extraction system is also known as a horizontal decanter. In this process, the oil is extracted by the centrifuge rotational force. The manufacturers separate the oil from the water and olive paste. 

Myth: Light olive oil contains minimum calories & fat

Fact: The lightness of Pure Olive Oil doesn’t define calories and fat. However, it defines the taste, flavor and color of the oil. All olive oil contains the same calories, whether lite or Extra-lite. 

Myth: 2nd pressed olive oil is better than 1st cold-pressed olive oil

Fact: There is no such 2nd pressed method of manufacturing olive oil. Refined olive oil undergoes a completely different chemical procedure from extra virgin olive oil.

Myth: Cloudy olive oils are a healthier option

Fact: The Cloudiness of the olive oil sticks around the oil after processing. The Cloudiness of the oil doesn’t define how nutritious the oil is. Experts say Cloudy virgin olive oil has a shorter shelf life than any other transparent oil.

Myth: The colour of olive oil indicates the quality

Fact: The colour of the oil doesn’t indicate the oil quality. Spray Olive Oil & check its colour only indicates the factors like ripeness and the variety of olive oil. It also indicates the climate of the areas where the olives were grown.

Myth: The extra virgin olive oil should be refrigerated

Fact: Yes, the extra virgin olive oil should be refrigerated. But frequently refrigerating the olive oil can reduce its shelf life. The manufacturer recommends keeping the olive oil in a dark bottle and a cool and dry place. Storing olive oil at the right temperature will increase the oil’s shelf life by more than two years. Once you open the oil, it should be used within six months.

Myth: Olive oil has a low smoke point

Fact: Most of the time, we hear that olive oil shouldn’t be used & heated for frying. This is a complete myth. The smoke point of the olive oil depends on the freshness & quality. High-quality Best Olive Oil Brand contains high smoke points up to 400°F.

Myth: Overheating olive oil makes trans fat

Fact: Heating olive oil at home can’t make trans fats. Trans fat occurs during hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is the industrial process where the oils can be turned into solid fat at the extreme level of pressure & heat.

Myth: Olive oil creates free radicals

Fact: Free radicals from olive oil are generated when something gets heated & goes under stress. The high-quality extra virgin olive oil contains natural antioxidants which combat the generation of free radicals during cooking time.

Myth: Virgin olive oil is used for salad only

Fact: Cooking any dish with olive oil makes the meal healthy. During cooking, the antioxidants and phenols in olive oil are transferred to vegetables, increasing their nutritional value.

Myth: You can check the quality of the oil at your home

Fact: There is no such DIY step that helps to identify whether the oil is high quality or low. It’s a complete misconception that oils which get cloudy in the refrigerator are high quality. Some olive oils get cloudy when stored in the refrigerator, while others do not. The quality of the olive oil depends upon the taste & smell.  

Myth: Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest oil option

Fact: All olive oils are healthy for your heart. Extra virgin olive oils are known for retaining the antioxidant with added benefits. Refined, virgin and extra virgin oil contains more good fat than your common cooking oils.

Myth: Olive oils are similar to wine- It tastes better with age

Fact: Like other regular oils, olive oil has a limited shelf life. Once you open the lid, you should use this within six months. Don’t use any olive oil for more than two years. You can maintain oil quality for a certain month by storing it in a cool, dark place. 

Myth: Olive oil can’t be used for Indian cooking

Fact: Extra virgin olive oil is the most suitable oil that can be used to cook at a temperature of more than 400°F. Virgin olive oil generates low harmful compounds because of its high antioxidant content. So, from now on, you can use this oil for cooking any Indian dish.

Myth: Olive oils are heavy & increase cholesterol

Fact: In reality, olive oils are light and the best option for a healthy heart. Olive oil contains zero cholesterol & trans-fat. This is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid, which has beneficial effects. 

Myth: You can’t use olive oil for external usage

Fact: The chemical structure of olive oil is closer to the skin’s natural oil. This oil is a superior option for maintaining good healthy skin. Olive oil is packed with minerals, natural fatty acids and vitamins. This is a natural ingredient for maintaining anti-aging skincare beauty products.

Because of the highest level of antioxidant contents, it prevents your skin from wrinkles, fine lines, and ageing. It helps to nourish your skin & rejuvenate it. Olive oil contains vitamin A & E that helps hydrate the skin’s elasticity & softness. All these qualities make olive oil an excellent option for your hair, skin, and nails.

Myth: Cooking olive oil destroys nutrients

Fact: Cooking with virgin olive oil doesn’t diminish the nutrition. Many studies have shown that the nutrient profile of olive oil doesn’t change much after a lot of cooking. The components of the oil offer anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant properties that make this an ideal option for cooking on high fat. 

Myth: Vinegar is the best detergent to clean the vessels used to store oil

Fact: Detergents like vinegar should always be avoided to clean oil containers. Vinegar holds a strong smell that the oil can absorb. Rather than vinegar, you can choose natural detergents or dilute this in warm water. 

Summary:

The internet is full of the benefits of using olive oil & the myths. This blog aims to reveal some detailed facts behind the olive oil myths. Olive oils are delicious & different from other regular uses of oil. 

This is a pure form of oil you can use for preparing daily meals. However, multiple misconceptions are floating on the internet because of its popularity. Now you know all the benefits of extra virgin olive oil, you can pick a high-quality olive oil online to complete all your culinary needs.