Organic Olive Oil

Organic olive oil is a super food for many reasons. Besides its broad culinary value, it packs a nutritional wallop as a source of many important nutrients. Why should you buy organic over conventionally grown olive oil?

Olive oil is a very healthy fat source.

Olive Oil and You

Olive oil is a great addition to your diet. Raw olive oil is a healthier choice than the more refined oils like canola, safflower and shortening. Coming from a natural plant-based fat source in almost its purest form, olive oil has a whole host of nutritional benefits that may help you improve your health. A big part of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil contains the following vitamins:

• Vitamin A
• Thiamin
• Riboflavin
• Essential fatty acids

Removing refined oils from your diet and replacing them with olive oil can actually help reduce the risk and severity of major health problems. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to:

• Reduce chronic inflammation
• Lessen joint pain
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower risk of heart attack and stroke

Some studies have even shown that olive oil can help reduce your risk of colon cancer. Rats fed olive oil had a dramatically lower risk of developing colon cancer than rats that were fed safflower oil.

Why Organic?

Olive oil is great for cooking.

Just like any other plant, olive trees are often sprayed with chemicals to increase their yield. It's not uncommon for plantation owners to pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, which then make their way into the oil you eat.

What Kinds of Olive Oil Are There?

If you go to the store to buy olive oil, you may be presented with quite a selection. Here are the most common types:

• Extra virgin olive oil - considered by many to the best and least processed. This oil is from the first pressing of the olives. It contains the most nutrients of all varieties.
• Virgin olive oil – Made from the second pressing, virgin olive oil is has a less elegant body than extra virgin olive oil.
• Pure olive oil - undergoes some processing, such as filtering and refining, and is much less expensive than virgin and extra virgin olive oils. This makes it much better for frying, as the cost is greatly reduced.
• Extra light olive oil – This kind of oil undergoes a great deal of processing and has only a very mild olive flavor. Not often found in gourmet stores, as this is mostly made of refined olive oil with a little extra virgin added for flavor.

In addition, some olive oils are actually a combination of olive and other mild oils. Be sure that the bottle says 100 percent extra virgin olive oil for the best quality. Raw (also called cold pressed) olive oil retains more of the flavor and nutrients than other grades of olive oil.

Where Can You Get Organic Olive Oil?

Most major grocery store chains now carry a variety of organic olive oil options, but if you're unable to pick some up locally, these online retailers will ship right to your door:

• The Organic Olive Oil Company specializes in artisan olive oils. There's a lot of information on their site, including free recipes.
• Vital Choice has a great selection of natural and organic foods, including olive oils, vinegars, and seasonings.
• Amazon.com sells a good variety of organic products.
• Italian Cyber Cucina also deals in different olive oils, including organic varieties.

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