How to Buy EVOO
By Sara Butler
Extra virgin olive oil, which I'll be abbreviating as EVVO, is all the rage -- and for very good reason. It's full of healthy fats that help your body to get the nutrition that it needs. It can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, too. From homemade salad dressings to cooking oil, EVOO is handy to have around. But do you know how to choose the right extra virgin olive oil for your kitchen? Here are some tips to help!
Why EVOO?
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in a variety of nutrients. It's full of monounsaturated fat, which helps to reduce chronic inflammation in the body. It also has antioxidants that can help reduce your risk of arthritis, heart disease, and a few other chronic health conditions.
Always Buy It
You may notice that when it comes to olive oil, you have a lot of choices. Extra virgin is always going to be the one you want to choose because it's so versatile. Extra virgin is also the highest quality olive oil you can buy and isn't full of added solvents -- which can be found in other olive oil. Any other type of olive oil you buy, including virgin or light, is likely going to be more refined and have fewer benefits for your health.
Buy It Bottled
When it comes to EVOO, the packaging does make a difference. That's because heat and light can impact the oil in the bottle, so look for metal tins or dark glass bottles when you choose EVOO off the shelf. Don't buy oil that comes in a clear plastic container or even a light-colored bottle if you can help it. That type of packaging can cause the oil to degrade much faster and spoil.
Where It Comes From
It should say on the bottle where the olive oil came from. If it states multiple places, then don't buy it. That probably means that the oil is a mash-up of olive oil from many different places and it simply won't be as pure or taste as good. If it's from the United States, always look for the Department of Agriculture's certification symbol.
Look at Ingredients
The only thing the label should say is that the oil you buy contains 100 percent extra virgin olive oil. Do not buy a product that lists anything else or you can assume what you're buying isn't actually pure EVOO but a mixture of different oils which may not have the health benefits you're depending on.
Extra virgin olive oil is very good for your health, but you must make sure that you're getting the best to get all the benefits!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Long Beach, Calif.