Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has long been touted as a “miracle” food that has incredible health benefits. But with so much misinformation out there, it can be hard to know the real story. That’s why we’re unmasking what the FDA really thinks about EVOO and your health!
Many people assume that when it comes to nutrition, the FDA has the last word. But the truth is that the FDA has no standard definition of what makes a food “healthy”—it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your lifestyle.
But there are a few guidelines that the FDA does offer on the use of EVOO, and we’re here to tell you all about it!
Here’s the lowdown on what the FDA has to say about EVOO and health:
- EVOO should be used as a “flavor enhancer” instead of a fat source. That means using it on salads, in pasta dishes, and as a finishing oil—not as a cooking oil.
- EVOO has less saturated fat than other cooking oils, so it’s a better choice overall.
- EVOO is high in antioxidants, which can help protect against disease.
- EVOO is a great source of “good” fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—which are essential for a healthy heart and body.
- EVOO is also high in oleic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain types of cancer.
These are just a few of the benefits that EVOO can have on your health, which we’ll cover in more detail in the rest of this article. But no matter what, the FDA recommends consuming EVOO in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
So, now that we know what the FDA thinks about EVOO and your health, it’s time to look at the science and see if there’s any truth to these claims. Stay tuned for the next section to find out more!
What the Experts Say About EVOO's Relationship to Our Good Health
When it comes to what the experts say about EVOO and our health, there is an overwhelming amount of conflicting opinions. Some nutritionists and doctors claim that EVOO provides essential health benefits such as reducing heart disease risk, improving digestion, and boosting immunity. However, many government organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are more skeptical when it comes to recommending EVOO as part of a healthy diet.
That said, there are numerous reasons why the FDA has yet to officially recommend EVOO for our health despite its potential benefits:
- The type of olive oil consumed can vary greatly in terms of quality, composition, and nutritional value
- The food industry has made numerous unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits of using EVOO in cooking
- Studies examining the impact of consuming different types of oils on our overall wellbeing have yielded mixed results
- There is still insufficient evidence to definitively support or refute the potential benefits associated with eating EVOO
But that doesn't mean you have give up on olive oil altogether! There are unique and little known tips which you can use in order to get all the great health benefits from this tasty oil without going overboard.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Use extra virgin olive oil for salads or finishing dishes — not for cooking purposes.
- Mix it with other oils like avocado or coconut for added flavor instead of relying solely on one type of oil.
- Switch up your oils depending on which dish you're making; choose light or buttery options depending on which flavors best compliment your meal.
- Keep an eye out for labels with 'cold pressed' - this will signify higher quality plant-based oils than those labeled 'refined'.
Surprising Disadvantages of Eating EVOO Despite What Doctors & Nutritionists Tell Us
EVOO, or extra virgin olive oil, has long been celebrated as a healthy alternative to many other cooking oils. Doctors, nutritionists, and health experts alike tout the many benefits of eating EVOO, such as:
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduced inflammation
- Prevention of chronic diseases
But the FDA has recently come out with some startling revelations about the disadvantages of eating EVOO, despite what nutritionists have been claiming.
Here are some of the surprising disadvantages of eating EVOO:
- Risk of Allergic Reactions: While it’s rare, some individuals have reported allergic reactions to consumption of EVOO. These reactions can range from skin rashes to difficulty breathing.
- Weight Gain: Yes, you heard that right. Despite the "heart-healthy" claims, research has found that regular consumption of EVOO can lead to weight gain. This is because of the high fat content in EVOO, which mean it's much easier to over-consume and end up packing on the pounds.
- Increased Risk for Gallstones: While the exact reasons for this are not known, research has found that consuming too much EVOO can increase your risk for gallstones.
- Potential Carcinogen: Believe it or not, EVOO can turn into a potentially harmful carcinogen when heated to a certain temperature for extended periods of time. That’s why it's important to keep an eye on the smoke point of your EVOO when cooking.
- Unhealthy Processing: Not all EVOO is created equal. Many brands use a variety of unhealthy processes to extract the oil, including chemicals like hexane and high-heat methods.
Analysis of The Hidden Factors That Contribute To Lower Levels of Vitamin And Mineral Intake When Consuming Certain Types of Oils (EVOO In Particular)
It's no secret that some types of oil, like extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), have been associated with lower levels of vitamins and minerals in our diets. But why is this the case? It turns out there are a few hidden factors that are contributing to this phenomenon.
- EVOO can contain high levels of polyphenols which have been known to inhibit the absorption of certain vital nutrients when consumed in large quantities.
- The cooking process can also strip away essential vitamins and minerals from EVOO, leaving them unavailable for absorption in our bodies when we eat it.
- Refined oils, such as canola or sunflower oils, are often processed at higher temperatures which cause more nutritional damage to the oil's content than more natural alternatives.
However, there’s still hope! By following a few simple tips and tricks you can ensure you’re getting the most healthful benefits from your EVOO consumption:
- Choose organic and cold-pressed varieties for optimum freshness and nutrient retention.
- Limit your EVOO intake to only a few tablespoons per day, especially if these are already part of a cooked dish.
- Look for sources of omega 3 fatty acids such as fish or flaxseed oil to make up for any deficiency caused by overconsuming polyunsaturated fats found in EVOO.
- Incorporate other plant-based oils into your diet such as avocado or coconut oil to reap the full range of benefits they offer.
Putting An End To Conflicting Nutrition Information
When it comes to eating well and staying healthy, it seems like there's conflicting nutritional information everywhere. So many people get confused and frustrated, and just give up on making better choices.
The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to incorporate more nutritious, natural foods into your diet.
By following these steps and exploring the additional tips below, you can put an end to all that confusion and start enjoying healthier eating.
- Grab a Spatula— Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the healthiest oils on the market, and it’s easy to use. Whether you’re sautéing veggies or drizzling it over a salad, EVOO adds flavor, helps food cook evenly and retains its nutrients.
- Get Crafty— Experiment with different spices and herbs to add flavor to your meals without salt. It’s amazing what a few dashes of cumin, paprika, garlic powder or oregano can do for a bland dish.
- Shop the Edges— When you’re at the grocery store, shop the peripheral sections, like the produce and meat aisles. That’s where you’ll find the freshest and healthiest items with the least number of additives.
- Cook Without Frying— The majority of fried foods contain trans fats, which can lead to heart disease and other health problems. If you want to enjoy the same texture and taste, try baking, boiling, grilling or roasting instead.
- Read, then Buy— Always take the time to read the nutrition labels on everything you buy. This way, you know exactly what you’re getting and can better assess whether a product will fit into your diet.
Conclusion
From our analysis of what the experts say about EVOO and its association with our health, we now know that it can be part of a nutritious and balanced diet. However, this doesn't mean you should forget everything else and switch to only eating EVOO! The key is moderation and balance - understanding when it’s appropriate to use different types of oil in your kitchen and doing so in an informed manner.
In order to best optimize your nutrition values while still savoring the benefits of delicious cooking, here are some tips and tricks you can apply right away:
- Incorporate multiple types of oil into your diet such as avocado or coconut oil alongside olive varieties.
- Choose quality over quantity; opt for cold pressed or organic oils whenever possible.
- Try to limit your overall consumption of polyunsaturated fats from sources such as EVOO (no more than a few tablespoons per day).
- Seek out other sources for essential fatty acids such as fish or flaxseed oil if needed.
- Experiment with different flavors through varying cooking temperatures (avoid high heat methods where possible).
By taking all these factors into consideration, you'll find the perfect balance between flavor and healthful nutrition values for your cooking needs!