Olive oil for health benefits

Felicity

We regularly use extra virgin olive oil in cooking, in both hot and cold dishes.

I have always taken care to buy extra virgin olive oil but now recognise that all brands are not the same.

I have done some internet research but am wondering can anybody recommend a good brand which can give the best health benefits from the oil?

Thank you in advance.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

some think rapeseed oil is a healthier option.

Rapeseed oil contains half the saturated fat of olive oil. It has 0.1 per cent cholesterol and is extremely high in vitamin E and Omega 3, 6 and 9; the essential fatty acids that can't be made by the body.

Felicity

[Deleted User] wrote:

Hi,

some think rapeseed oil is a healthier option.

Rapeseed oil contains half the saturated fat of olive oil. It has 0.1 per cent cholesterol and is extremely high in vitamin E and Omega 3, 6 and 9; the essential fatty acids that can't be made by the body.

That's really interesting, thank you. I have only used Rapeseed Oil in cooking previously, do you know it tastes as nice as Olive Oil in salad dressings etc?

j.e.j.

I tend to just use a Greek one (or whatever's on half-price offer at the supermarket!)

There's loads of info on different types of Greek Olive Oil on this web page, if it's any help?

http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/country/greece

Fire_Fox

Far too much omega-6 in rapeseed for my liking, most are pro-inflammatory. The average Westerner takes in too much in our diets as it is, we just don't need to 'supplement' omega-6s. Also be aware that a fair amount of rapeseed is solvent extracted not pressed.

Better to get the anti inflammatory omega-3s in the useable long chain format (DHA/ EPA) from oily fish not short chain from seed oils, which convert at rates as low as 10%.

In general IMO it's best to get healthy fats from wholefoods not extracts where possible, so you get the associated nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre etc). So whole olives, avocado, oily fish, nuts, seeds, coconut, cocoa powder.

Felicity

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Far too much omega-6 in rapeseed for my liking, most are pro-inflammatory. The average Westerner takes in too much in our diets as it is, we just don't need to 'supplement' omega-6s. Also be aware that a fair amount of rapeseed is solvent extracted not pressed.

Better to get the anti inflammatory omega-3s in the useable long chain format (DHA/ EPA) from oily fish not short chain from seed oils, which convert at rates as low as 10%.

In general IMO it's best to get healthy fats from wholefoods not extracts where possible, so you get the associated nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre etc). So whole olives, avocado, oily fish, nuts, seeds, coconut, cocoa powder.

Thanks FireFox, I was hoping you would contribute to the thread as I love reading your posts and am in awe of your knowledge! We do eat a diet full of wholefoods with oily fish, olives etc regularly and then seeds almost daily.

We do use oil though in dressings, marinades, for frying at low heat etc. so it is advice on the best brand olive oil (for health benefits as well as taste) that I am looking for.

My son also likes to snack on bread and oil as a treat so I want to ensure I am giving him the best option.

I have previously bought what was half price in the supermarket but wish to make a more considered purchase. I have also realised that storing it at the back of my range is a complete no no as the increase in temperature can spoil it! :mad:

Fire_Fox

Felicity wrote: »

Thanks FireFox, I was hoping you would contribute to the thread as I love reading your posts and am in awe of your knowledge! We do eat a diet full of wholefoods with oily fish, olives etc regularly and then seeds almost daily.

We do use oil though in dressings, marinades, for frying at low heat etc. so it is advice on the best brand olive oil (for health benefits as well as taste) that I am looking for.

My son also likes to snack on bread and oil as a treat so I want to ensure I am giving him the best option.

I have previously bought what was half price in the supermarket but wish to make a more considered purchase. I have also realised that storing it at the back of my range is a complete no no as the increase in temperature can spoil it! :mad:

You might run an advanced search on Edwardia's posts, she is very knowledgeable about high quality natural products (chef/ eats organic) and I am sure she has commented on decent olive oil a couple of times. Probably on the long running organic in supermarkets thread over on the Groceries board - that thread covers additive free as well as organic for anyone who doesn't know.