What are the benefits of olive oil?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 27-year-old woman. I am conscious about what I am eating and want to include good ingredients in my diet. I have been hearing a lot about olive oil. Is it beneficial? Can it be included in all the foods or are there any considerations for it? Can olive oil be heated and reheated? To what temperature should it be heated? Is there any better alternative?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Thank you for posting your query.The best olive oil for cooking is often considered to be extra virgin. It is suited for low to medium-heat cooking methods like sautéing and light frying because of its rich flavor, low acidity, and nutritional content. Much of the nutritional value we associate with olive oil, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, is destroyed by the heating process. And if you are buying pricier olive oils for their intensity and complexity of flavor, using them to deep-fry or cook means you will lose those subtleties anyway. Extra virgin olive oil is the most stable oil to cook with and can be heated as high as 400 Fahrenheit (deep frying occurs at 350°-375° Fahrenheit). Even when heated past its smoke point, virgin olive oils produce low levels of harmful compounds due to the high antioxidant content in the oil.Olive oil has a lower smoke point than some other oils. The smoke point is the point at which an oil begins to smoke. Olive oil's smoke point is between 365 degree and 420 degree Fahrenheit. When you heat olive oil to its smoke point, the beneficial compounds in oil start to degrade, and potentially form health-harming compounds.

Regards.