Good for health, good to taste: olive oil combines all the qualities… as long as you know how to choose it. Review 60 million consumers has just revealed its favorite, which is not without surprise, pointing out the difficulty of choosing good products among the diversity of the offer on the market.
We no longer present olive oil, recognized for its taste qualities but also for its health benefits. Now a must-have in our kitchens, olive oil was the subject of a survey published in May 2023 by 60 million consumersreference in mattermatter of information for the consumer – shoulder to shoulder with the association UFC What to choose. Not without surprise, the number one product acclaimed by the magazine is none other than extra virgin olive oil from the Primadonna brand… sold at Lidl! The product would be the only one not to contain any of the pollutants sought during the investigation. If the brand does not have a store near you, don’t worry: in second and third positions are Provence olive oil, Reflets de France AOP and organic Monini Classico olive oil. The price is, of course, higher but the two bottles are sold by the Carrefour brand. Enough to ask the killer question: why and how to choose the right olive oil?
The why is simple: good quality olive oil will have more benefits for your health than low-end oil. Here are some of the benefits associated with regular consumption of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
The multiple health benefits of olive oil
First of all, know that olive oil is an important source ofmonounsaturated fatty acidsmonounsaturated fatty acids (or omega-9), especially oleic acid. These monounsaturated fats help reduce LDL cholesterol (or “bad cholesterol”) while preserving HDL cholesterol (the “good cholesterol”). It is also a food rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help fight against free radicalsfree radicals in the body.
These compounds are associated with anti-inflammatory effects and the protection of cells against oxidative stress. They help maintain the health of the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, the consumption of olive oil as part of a Mediterranean dietMediterranean diet is associated with better cognitive health and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseasesneurodegenerative diseases as the Alzheimer’s diseaseAlzheimer’s disease ! Finally, it promotes digestiondigestion healthy, in particular by facilitatingabsorptionabsorption fat-soluble nutrients.
You are well advanced… because there are dozens of different brands and bottles crowding the shelves! So how to choose? Here are some criteria to take into account to acquire a quality product.
Choose your olive oil wisely
First of all, your oil must be extra-virgin, because it is the least processed and retains more nutrientsnutrients. It is extracted mechanically, without the use of chemicals, and must have an oleic acidity of less than 0.8%. Note that in 2020, several olive oils produced in Tunisia – despite having an excellent reputation in terms of olive production – were “downgraded” by UFC what to choose. The association (unofficially) withdrew the title “Extra” from them after publishing a survey revealing the presence of phthalatephthalate of dybutile – a plasticizer – in bottles of brands EarthEarth Delyssa, La Vie Claire and Bio Village, meaning transport or conservation in vats in PVCPVC, prohibited by regulations. The label is therefore not everything, and it is better to find out.
Choose cold-extracted olive oils. Cold extraction means the olives are mechanically pressed at low temperatures, usually below 27°C. This method helps preserve the aromas, nutrients and beneficial properties of the oil.
Also pay attention to the origin of your bottle, and favor oils from regions renowned for the quality of their production, such as Italy, Greece, Spain or the south of France.
The packaging should not be neglected! Your olive oil must be sold in a tinted or opaque container protecting the oil from lightlight, which can alter its quality. About the materialmaterial From the bottle, glass is usually the best option because it better protects the oil from light and oxidation. It also helps avoid any interaction between the oil and the plasticplasticespecially when stored for an extended period.
Finally, organic olive oils are normally produced without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, so they can be interesting in this capacity. Many brands rely on the natural qualities of their product, but only the “AB” label can certify that the oil comes fromOrganic AgricultureOrganic Agriculture.
Generally speaking, a good extra virgin olive oil will have a fresh aroma and fruity, herbaceous or spicy flavors… the rest is a question of taste!
