Olive Oil

Olive oil is a traditional Mediterranean cooking oil that has now become a staple for almost all households due to its popularity as a heart healthy oil. Unfortunately, not all olive oils are created equal! So, to receive all of the benefits olive oil has to offer, look for an organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed olive oil, preferably in a dark glass bottle. This olive oil will not only taste insanely better, but be heaps better for you as well!

Benefits: Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been touted for their blood pressure and cholesterol lowering ability, specifically lowering LDL cholesterol, which is the cholesterol that can be be detrimental to heart health when oxidized. Not only that, but olive oil is rich in polyphenols and vitamin E, which act as both anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidant compounds. All of which make olive oil fabulous for combatting cardiovascular disease, benefitting the digestive tract, increasing cognitive function, and even reducing the instance of cancer.

How To Use: Many have substituted all other cooking oils for olive oil, which is not the best tactic. The best way to use olive oil is as a dip filled with lovely herbs (thank you Mediterranean society!), as a salad dressing, for low heat cooking, or as a finishing oil since it has the lowest smoke point of any oil at 325°F/165°C. This makes olive oil more prone to rancidity, which is no bueno for your liver, so make sure to cherish this beautiful oil and use it properly!

Nutrition Facts: 1 tablespoon

• Calories: 119
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fats: 14 grams
  • Saturated: 1.9  grams
  • Polyunsaturated: 1.4 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
  •     Fiber: 0 grams

** Best stored in a cool dark space to prevent oxidation. It is even better to make sure it is in a dark glass bottle for even further protection since olive oil is more prone to oxidation and rancidity than other oils.