Defining Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Its Benefits

Posted by Lindsey Menhusen on 5th Apr 2024

Extra virgin olive oil is commonly recognized as being the highest quality olive oil obtainable. This particular type of oil can only be produced from olives that were harvested before becoming fully ripe. Because this biological process is still in the process of completion, the oil is richer in antioxidants. 

Olive oil is considered “extra virgin” when it has been produced by a simple process of pressing the olives. Typically, olive oil is produced using chemicals and other processes. After passing certain lab tests on characteristics like acidity, they oil has to taste exactly like freshly picked olives without any defects that affect the flavor.

Benefits of Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • Extra virgin olive oil also contains fats that can help manage weight and increases general mental well-being
  • According to the FDA, a couple of tablespoons of olive oil daily can cut down on the risk of developing heart disease later in life. Along with reducing the risk of heart disease, extra virgin olive oil can have a positive impact on cholesterol and blood pressure. 
  • Ingesting two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily helps lower total cholesterol by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. A healthy incorporation of extra virgin olive oil into a diet can reduce the risk of type-II diabetes by nearly 50%. 
  • The oleic acid present in extra virgin olive oil is beneficial to fighting cancer. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Once the Fatty Acid Profile of an olive oil reaches 55%, it can then be considered an extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil also possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Because of these properties, frequent consumption of extra virgin olive oil can be instrumental in helping fight chronic inflammation. Studies show that extra virgin olive oil can help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s disease which is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases on the planet. Extra virgin olive oil is a phenomenal way to ensure your body longevity with antioxidants that build the immune system in a myriad of ways.

Cosmetic Benefits

  • Along with its many health benefits, extra virgin olive oil also contains many cosmetic benefits. Aside from aiding in caring for hair, extra virgin olive oil serves as a great moisturizer. The Vitamin E that is present in olive oil serves the health of the skin well. There are many home remedies for acne that include the use of extra virgin olive oil. The antibacterial effects of the oil kill germs that cause acne. Use of extra virgin olive oil reduces redness, swelling and breakouts that can lead to inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil helps control wrinkles, softens skin and lightens complexion. Regular application of extra virgin olive oil is a great way to prevent skin from becoming dry. The vitamin E in extra virgin olive oil that helps keep skin soft and smooth is the same key component in making sure that hair grows long and beautifully. The vitamin E and fatty acids in the oil flow deeply into the roots of the hair which encourages growth.

Extra virgin olive oil is an oil that has been used for a variety of purposes for centuries. The Olive Tap has a wide variety of gourmet olive oil flavors to select from. By shopping at  The Olive Tap, you can take pride in knowing that the quality of your extra virgin olive oil will be top-shelf.