Not all fats are created equal.
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat, and like other unsaturated fats, it offers some great health benefits and is generally considered to be a “good” fat. According to the Mayo Clinic, unsaturated fats:
- Lower risk of heart disease by improving related risk factors
- Lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
- Normalize blood clotting
- Benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control
Of course, even unsaturated fats are rich in calories – and though they are healthier than saturated fats, they should still be consumed sparingly.
For years, I’ve heard the rumor that the benefits of healthy oils – and olive oils in particular – are destroyed when heated. It’s simply untrue; research shows that olive oil can take the heat. The plant-based compounds are actually very stable up until the oil’s smoking point at around 405 degrees Fahrenheit.
More important is how you store the oil. Keep olive oil in a room-temperature cupboard, and use within six months of opening. Light, air and atypical storage temperatures have a dramatic effect on the oil’s stability.
Hi, Davey!
I told my family that it’s untrue, but they didn’t believe me. Now I don’t know what to do! :/
ive been consuming olive oil for quite a few years.its tho only oil i use cooking.always use not too high heat when cooking-and youll do just fine.Thanx-DW-for this gr8 info.
Davey (Wavey?),
Please provide a link or citation for the research you mentioned in your article…I have the same problem as Fernando. You can’t just say the myth isn’t true. You have to back it up with data from somewhere. So! Please share!
Love, Lisa
P.S. You rock. I love what you do and what you stand for. Thanks for making a difference on the planet.