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Heat Olive Oil: You Have to Pay Attention to This

Olive oil is a healthy and tasty Mediterranean cooking oil. It just can’t get too hot. Here we tell you what you should pay attention to when heating olive oil.

Heat olive oil: tips for cooking, braising, baking and frying

Whether you want to fry onions until translucent, season a pasta sauce to taste, or brush a pumpkin in the oven with the popular oil in autumn: you can use most olive oils – including good “extra virgin” quality olive oils.

As long as the olive oil is cooking, stewing or baking in the pot with vegetables or other water-containing foods, it hardly gets hotter than 100°C.
You can even fry in olive oil as long as you use a temperature controlled fryer and don’t set it above 180°C.

Be careful when frying: do not let the olive oil get too hot

In fact, there are few situations where olive oil can actually burn and lose both its great taste and health-giving properties. For example, if you want to sear something to create roasted aromas.

The so-called smoke point of olive oil is around 180°C. Beyond this temperature, the oil burns and not only loses its healthy components – dangerous and sometimes carcinogenic by-products such as the toxic acrolein are also produced.

If it must be olive oil, only hot-pressed, refined olive oil would be suitable for searing. This is heat-resistant at temperatures of up to 220°C. During hot pressing, however, a large part of the aroma and the health-promoting properties of the oil are lost.

In summary – what should be considered when heating olive oil?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when heating olive oil:

Combined with vegetables or other water-containing foods, olive oil does not burn.
With a temperature control, you can even use olive oil for frying at a maximum of 180°C.
For temperatures higher than 180°C, you should use hot-pressed olive oil or other cooking oils.
If you want to get the most out of your olive oil, both in terms of taste and health, you can add it at the end of the recipe to refine it. Organically grown olive oils from cooperatives are best for the environment and producers. However, since it is such a coveted raw material, consumers are often misled.

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Food

Olive Oil Lifehack: You Should Definitely Know This When Buying

The quality of olive oil depends largely on a very specific factor. With our life hack you do everything right when buying olive oil.

Olive oil is not just olive oil. The quality of the popular edible oil depends on various criteria. In another article, we have summarized ten tips for you on how to recognize good olive oil.

In general, we recommend looking for organic quality when buying olive oil. You can be sure that the oil is not contaminated with chemical-synthetic pesticides. In addition, by consuming organic products, you support ecologically sustainable agriculture that treats the earth’s natural resources with care. The organic seals from Demeter, Bioland, and Naturland are particularly recommended, as they stipulate stricter criteria than the EU organic seal.

Additionally, you can recognize the quality of olive oil with the following simple method.

Olive Oil Lifehack: How to recognize good quality

This life hack is very simple: you can already tell from the packaging when you go shopping whether an olive oil is of high or inferior quality.

Simply note the following information:

Olive oil in a clear glass or plastic bottle is a no go. This has to do with the fact that vegetable oils are very sensitive to light, heat and air. These environmental influences very quickly trigger an oxidation process in the olive oil. The result: Rancid olive oil with drastically reduced levels of healthy nutrients such as antioxidants and polyphenols.
The quality of olive oil suffers even more in plastic bottles – whether they are dark or transparent. This is because the chemicals in the plastic, such as plasticizers, migrate into the oil over time. This not only changes its taste, but is also potentially harmful to health, according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.
Olive oil in metal packaging should also be consumed with caution. According to consumer advice centers, metals can become detached here over time, migrate into the oil and impair its quality. In addition, metal packaging is often coated with the plastic bisphenol A, which can also be released into the oil and is even potentially harmful.

Olive Oil Lifehack: Conclusion

You should definitely avoid packaging made of plastic, metal or clear glass when buying olive oil.

According to a study, dark bottles made of green or amber glass are the most suitable containers for olive oil. If you then at least pay attention to the organic seal and the addition “extra virgin”, you can be pretty sure that the olive oil in your shopping basket is of good quality.

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Food

Olive Oil in the Test: Every Second One Was Deficient

Oko-Test tested 20 olive oils and the result is shocking. Mineral oil residues were found in every second oil. We have summarized all the important information and which oil you can confidently buy here for you.

Oko-Test tested 20 olive oils of the “extra virgin” quality class and came to a shocking conclusion: the testers found mineral oil in every second olive oil, the oils tasted rancid, did not correspond to their quality class, or contained plasticizers. Only two oils are recommended. Taste and smell were also tested.

Mineral oils in every second olive oil

The particularly questionable aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH) were found in half of the oils. They should not only be carcinogenic but also damage the genetic material. In addition, saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH/POSH) were discovered in every second oil, which accumulates in the human body and can damage our organs.

With these results, the question naturally arises as to how mineral oil residues get into the olive oil. During the olive harvest and during production, the fruits come into contact with MOAH, which is contained in the form of lubricating oil on harvesters or conveyor belts, among other things.

Which olive oil can you buy?

Only two olive oils came out as test winners with the rating “good” and met the criteria in terms of taste and smell to be called “extra virgin”. These are the following products:

  • Rapunzel Crete Virgin Olive Oil for 9.99 euros per 500 milliliters
  • Primoli I.G.P. Toscano Olio for 12.99 euros

More than half of the organic olive oils were rated “poor” and “unsatisfactory”. They tasted rancid, plasticizers, MOSH/POSH compounds, and MOAH residues were found.

At the moment there are only guidelines. Based on the test results, Öko-Test is now demanding limit values ​​for mineral oils in food.

When is an olive oil “extra virgin”?

Normally, as a buyer, you trust the description of a product, especially when it comes to a branded product. So if you as a buyer buy oil that says “extra virgin”, you also expect that the oil is “extra virgin”.

But what does “extra native” actually mean? This is the highest level of quality. It is pressed cold and therefore particularly gently and must not have any off-taste. The typical taste of olive oil is fruity, slightly hot, and bitter. Of course, the chemical quality of the oil must also be right. Olive oil can only be called “extra virgin” when all of these criteria are met.

According to the test results of the recognized olive oil panel, four of the olive oils tested were not allowed to use this designation because they tasted rancid or pungent.

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Lifestyle

Use Healthy Olive Oil as a Home Remedy

Olive oil is mainly used as a cold-pressed vegetable oil in the kitchen. But just like other vegetable oils, olive oil has a healthy effect. Therefore, olive oil is equally suitable for hair and skin. We have collected the most important information and areas of application.

The History of Olive Oil

Historical finds indicate that for centuries BC. BC olive oil was produced, traded, and consumed. Because the oldest petrified olive stones are 10,000 years old and were discovered in Nahal Zehra. The Caucasus and Iran are also considered areas where olive oil was widespread. Later in the 5th century AD, olive oil also established itself in Europe. Olive trees can bear up to 300 kg of fruit. A good liter of yellow oil can be squeezed out of 30kg. This is obtained from the meat and the pits of the olive fruit. It is grown in the Mediterranean countries, primarily in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and also Croatia, Tunisia, and Turkey.

Effect of olive oil is healthy

Olive oil is healthy as long as you use a high-quality product. Because it has a preventive effect against breast cancer, heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Since it contains unsaturated fatty acids, it has a stronger anti-cholesterol effect. It also protects the gastric mucous membranes and reduces the formation of gallstones. Therefore, it makes sense to integrate healthy olive oil into your own diet.

Use of olive oil in cooking

It is often used in the kitchen to prepare salads. But also for searing and deep-frying all kinds of food. Consequently, olive oil is a healthy all-rounder that no kitchen is missing. You can also use it to pickle vegetables or cheese. And it is also suitable as an ingredient for fresh fruit and vegetable juices or homemade smoothies. You can also use the good oil to bake cakes and cookies.

Use as a home remedy

High-quality olive oil is a good all-around care product. Everyone knows the problem: you need a new face cream, body lotion, hair conditioner, wound protection cream, baby care cream, etc. What do you use and what is right? What can be used to trigger allergies and what can be used to alleviate allergy symptoms? You quickly lose track of all the cosmetic products. The solution is the versatile olive oil:

1) Olive oil for the skin

The cold-pressed oil is good for the skin. Already in ancient Egypt, olive oil was said to have the same cleaning powers as donkey milk, in which Cleopatra is said to have bathed. The oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. If you feed your skin with it, it can slow down the aging process. To do this, oil yourself with it or use it as a bath additive. Consequently, it is a good home remedy for delicate and soft skin. Also, note other useful and healthy vegetable oils.

2) Babycare with olive oil

For baby care, olive oil is very well suited as the sole care product. Because it keeps the skin supple and soft, is suitable for the hair, and gently cleanses the body. You can also do the diaper region well with olive oil
care, as olive oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. When using baby cream, you should avoid artificial ingredients.

3) Make a homemade scrub

You can also make a homemade peeling from olive oil and sugar and use it to care for your sensitive skin. To do this, mix a paste from about 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Then you can rub it into your skin. The sugar grains wear away old skin cells and the olive oil nourishes the skin. This peeling can be used for any part of the body.

4) Home remedies for dry elbows

As a home remedy for dry and rough elbows, Mediterranean oil works wonders. Accordingly, fill the oil in a bowl and heat it in a water bath to about 38 degrees. Then you can bathe your dry elbows in it for 10 minutes. With daily use, your elbows should be soft and supple again after a week. You can also use the peeling mentioned above.

5) Olive oil for hair

You can also care for your hair with olive oil by using it for homemade hair treatment. It’s even easier if you massage the oil into your hair after washing your hair. Then leave it on for an hour and wash it off with a mild shampoo. This makes it the perfect home remedy for dry hair. If only your tips suffer from split ends, treating them with the oil is sufficient.

6) Application for allergies

Olive oil is not only good for skin and hair. You can also use it as a care product for allergies. Since many industrially manufactured care products can cause skin irritation and allergies, it is better to use natural oils. In addition, it has a healing effect and can therefore also be applied well to irritated skin areas. You can also order natural cosmetics online and use them for sensitive skin.

7) Strengthen immunity

Since olive oil is healthy, you can use it to strengthen your immune system. If you consume a tablespoon of olive oil every day, you provide your body with valuable ingredients that positively support your cardiovascular system. If you don’t feel like eating a spoonful of oil, you can mix it into your breakfast oatmeal.

8) Olive oil is said to prevent depression

The Mediterranean cuisine is very rich in olive oil. Some studies suggest that Mediterranean cuisine can help prevent depression. It should also reduce the risk of tumor formation. Of course, a holistic healthy diet is essential.

9) Reduce the risk of stroke

Several studies show that a diet high in olive oil can significantly reduce the risk of stroke by about 30 percent. This is probably due to the linoleic acid it contains, which is supposed to protect against vascular deposits. Mediterranean cuisine is therefore particularly advantageous for high-risk patients.

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health

Health: This is What Happens When You Substitute Olive Oil For Butter

Many people cook with butter. However, if you replace them with olive oil, you can do something good for your health. A more detailed look is worthwhile.

Butter or olive oil: (Un)saturated fatty acids – that’s how (un)healthy they are

In general, you can eat and enjoy butter in small amounts, for example occasionally on bread or when you use something for cooking. Apart from the so-called palmitic acid, it usually has no direct harmful ingredients. However, it does not promote health either – in contrast to vegetable oils. In particular, you should avoid large amounts of butter.

It is also important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet overall. The different fatty acids should be balanced.

A distinction is made between saturated and (poly)unsaturated fatty acids. Butter contains saturated fatty acids, olive oil contains many unsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be particularly healthy because they have a positive effect on blood lipid levels and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation, but are necessary for the immune system, for example. Edible fish offer ample amounts of omega-3; You can find omega-6 fats in meat and offal in particular.

Olive oil as a healthy alternative

Olive oil is generally considered healthier than butter. It is said to protect against cancer and reduce the risk of death. Olive oil can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels; so there should be fewer heart attacks in Mediterranean areas where a lot of olive oil is consumed.

It may also prevent Alzheimer’s. In addition to the consumption of olive oil, a healthy diet and the consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as an all-round healthy lifestyle play an important role, so that you are physically fit, for example. Olive oil can help you lose weight and is said to have a positive effect on your skin. Olive oil can also help you naturally cleanse your arteries. Butter, on the other hand, is more likely to get stuck in your arteries, which at worst can lead to heart disease.

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Food

Olive Oil: That’s How Healthy it is For Our Body

Olive oil is supposed to be healthy: you hear and read that again and again. But why is that – and how does olive oil compare to other vegetable fats?

Olive oil is considered very healthy – that’s why it is an essential part of healthy diets and even diets like the Mediterranean diet. Some attribute the healthy effect to the high proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids, others to the many polyphenols. The latter belong to the secondary plant substances, give olive oil its bitter and pungent aromas and are said to have numerous positive effects. However, studies also show that there is still a need for research into the health value of olive oil – and that other vegetable oils are not necessarily less healthy. In addition, there are quality differences in olive oil that affect the health value.

Lots of healthy oleic acid: the ingredients of olive oil

Compared to many other vegetable oils, olive oil is characterized by its high content of oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid).

14 g saturated fat
73 g monounsaturated fatty acids
11 g polyunsaturated fatty acids
14 mg vitamin E
60 mcg vitamin K

Is Olive Oil Healthy? Assessment based on the ingredients

To find out if olive oil is healthy, you can first look at the individual ingredients. The isolated ingredients do not necessarily have the same effect as the finished product. Nevertheless, the analysis of the ingredients can provide initial clues. The focus is on the ingredients that are supposed to make olive oil particularly healthy – i.e. oleic acid and polyphenols.

Olive oil consists mainly of oleic acid. This monounsaturated fatty acid is said to have numerous positive properties:
According to a review, scientists in two intervention studies found that oleic acid has anti-inflammatory effects. As part of the studies, a total of almost 280 people followed a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil. As a result, inflammatory markers in the blood dropped, which the study authors believe is apparently due to oleic acid. An observational study of around 3,000 Japanese women came to the same conclusion. However, both studies also say that the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
In experiments on cell cultures, oleic acid has an anti-carcinogenic effect, i.e. it inhibits the growth of tumor cells. However, clinical studies in humans are still pending.
According to two other studies, oleic acid helps against insulin resistance and strengthens the immune system.

Olive oil is healthy, but usually not suitable for searing

How healthy olive oil is also depends on how you use it. If you heat olive oil, for example, you have to be careful: If the smoke point of the oil is exceeded, toxic substances can form. Thanks to the heat-stable oleic acid, olive oils can usually be heated up to around 180 degrees. So you can use them for baking, steaming and gentle frying. You should only avoid searing or deep-frying at high temperatures.

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