What is the difference between virgin and extra virgin olive oil?

Knowing the difference can help you choose from the dozens of options on the market shelf; watch

Have you ever found yourself looking at the market shelf trying to understand the difference between the various types of oils available? This attitude is very common, given that the product has a virgin, extra virgin or refined version.

Although visually they are not very different, there are some differences in composition. Then, what is the real difference between them? Are there olive oils that are more suitable for our health? How should I choose?

All olive oils, regardless of nomenclature, use the same raw material, the olive. There are different types of olives that have different flavors and aromas, but this is not what determines the change of classification.

First of all it is important to say that olives bring enormous benefits to cardiovascular health, they also have antioxidant properties, help fight bad cholesterol, are rich in vitamin E and help fight inflammation in the body. Therefore, olive oil is indicated by many doctors and nutritionists, it can be an excellent ally for our health and well-being.

What really differentiates the types of olive oil is the production process they go through. The main difference is the acidity each one has, which is directly linked to the quality of the oil and the benefits it offers.

The lower the acidity, the better this oil will be for the health of those who consume it.. Therefore, lower acidity indexes indicate that the oil has a higher quality. See below how to differentiate the main types of olive oil on the market.

Extra virgin olive oil

It is the olive oil that has the least acidity and is the healthiest of all. It has an acidity close to 1%, usually 0.8%. Ideal to be used daily to dress salads and dishes in general. It is the most recommended type of olive oil by nutritionists.

virgin olive oil

It has an acidity close to 2%, which makes it a little “less healthy” than the previous one. But even so, it is still more suitable than refined olive oil for everyday food preparation.

refined olive oil

It has more than 2% acidity, being the least indicated in this list for daily consumption. Its use in frying is recommended, as it is healthier than cooking oil, but it should still be consumed in moderation.

compound oil

The composite oil has other vegetable oils in its composition, such as soybean, sunflower and corn. Therefore, it doesn’t have the same benefits as pure olive oil, i.e. it’s not as healthy to consume all the time.

How to choose the ideal olive oil for each situation?

According to olive oil expert Ana Beloto, we should consume 20 ml of olive oil every day, the equivalent of two tablespoons. By dividing this quantity into the meals of the day, the oil becomes less evident and ends up becoming an excellent ally for flavoring and seasoning your dishes.

Virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil are the most suitable for daily use, they are the two types that will help your health the most. According to the olive oil specialist, even when heated, they do not lose their benefits, so they can also be used for frying and other types of preparation. When in doubt, bet on one of these options.

Refined oil and compost have less quality and fewer benefits, so they can be used for frying, as the whole process of frying food is no longer based on health. You can also use them to saute food.

Many people stop using olive oil in their routine because they think it’s a very expensive product, but there are some great oils, including award-winning ones, that are affordable, check out some options by clicking here.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.