Guide to Extra Virgin Olive Oil

What Is An Olive Oil?

Hands holding olives.

Olive oil is produced by pressing olives. Its extract is made by mashing and grinding olives and pressing them through a hydraulic press with a thousand pounds of pressure. This is known as cold pressing. Others make olive oil with heat or chemicals. However, olive oil obtained through the cold press process has been found to be superior due to its numerous health benefits. There are four different varieties of olive oil. The four types of olive oils are extra virgin, virgin, light, and pure. Extra virgin olive oil has more advantages for your health. Virgin olive oil, on the other hand, is comparable to extra virgin olive oil but is of lower quality. Light olive oil contains a lot of calories and fat. Finally, pure olive oil has a mild flavor. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 101

Bottles of EVOO in a grocery shelf.

One variety of olive oil that, as I already mentioned, has many health advantages is extra virgin olive oil. Polyphenols, which are abundant in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, are present in them as part of the diet. Of all the different types of olive oil, extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor and taste. It serves a variety of purposes besides just being part of the diet. It can replace skin moisturizer, prevent stretch marks, act as an exfoliant and makeup remover, as well as be used as a hair salve, among many other things. 

Cooking With EVOO

Beautifully plated spinach salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a glass bottle on the background.

There are many health advantages to extra virgin olive oil. It lessens inflammation, aids in maintaining healthy blood flow in our blood vessels, manages blood clotting, lowers blood pressure, and aids in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Extra virgin olive oil is used in many dishes because of its advantages. But there are some crucial things to keep in mind when using extra virgin olive oil to prepare food. 

Although it is safe to use in cooking, it is not recommended for deep frying. In place of butter or margarine when making cakes, cookies, and other sweets, EVOO is a preferred healthy alternative. It is healthier than vegetable oil when used to prepare main dishes. Finally, it is best to use your bottle of EVOO for no more than three months after you have opened it. Additionally, store it in a cool, dark area with the caps tightly closed to preserve its quality and freshness.

Hair And Skin Hacks With EVOO

Small bottle of cosmetic oil, scissors and nail file placed on a white ceramic surrounded by flowers.

EVOO, also known as liquid gold in the ancient world, is a common ingredient in cosmetics and is considered the holy grail for royalty. It continues to be utilized as a skin and hair salve today. Extra virgin olive oil is a common ingredient in many products, but it can also be used on its own or in combination with other all-natural ingredients as part of a hair or skincare routine. 

1. It works well to take off makeup and sunscreen naturally.

Take a cotton pad, saturate it with a good amount of EVOO, and then use it to apply the oil directly to your face. From there, you can use a towel or cloth to blot off any extra oil. Repeat the process until no trace of cosmetics can be found on your face. 

2. It serves as a natural emollient.

A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins that can be found in olive oil. Take a cotton pad and dab it lightly with EVOO. For softer skin, apply to the face and neck and let it sit overnight. It may serve as a substitute for the night cream or cold cream you currently use. Just be sure to use a small amount so it does not feel greasy and sticky. It can also be applied to dry parts of your body, such as your hands, feet, nails, heels, knees, and elbows. 

3. It functions as an all-natural substitute for a leave-on conditioner.

Bid adieu to hair that is dry, coarse, and frayed! EVOO is one of the best alternatives to chemically produced leave-on conditioners on the market because of its vitamins, antioxidants, and moisturizing qualities. Simply take a good amount in your hand, then massage it into your scalp and hair.

Suggestions For Selecting Extra Virgin Olive Oil

EVOO in bottles and fresh olives on top of the table.

Make sure the label says “cold-pressed” when selecting or purchasing extra virgin olive oil to ensure that it has not been heated or chemically altered. Trans-fats are present in heated or chemically processed olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil’s quality and freshness are also influenced by the container, so it is recommended that you choose bottles or cans that are dark to ensure that the oil has not been exposed to sunlight when you buy. Lastly, pay close attention to the written acidity level. Health benefits increase with decreasing acidity levels. Extra virgin olive oil has a low acidity of 0.8%.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil & By-Products 

Bottles of olive oil and fresh olives.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Bottle of EVOO with rosemary and pepper corn on a black table.

It can be created from different varieties of olives and is cold-pressed, sealed in a dark bottle, gluten-free, sodium-free, and non-GMO verified. It can be used as an artisan oil in sautéing, baking, and marinating, and as a flavor-enhancing finishing oil. It is perfect for vegetarians.

They are placed in regular bottles, spray bottles for artisans and drizzling bottles.

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Body Oil

Moisturizing oil in a bottle on top of the table with empty bottles on the background.

Vitamin E, which is included in EVOO, may also help to lessen skin redness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, it has antioxidants that aid in defending against free radicals, which speed up skin aging.

Olive oil is non-toxic, microbial resistant, and allergy-friendly.

3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Facial Serum

Woman applying serum on her face.

This type of serum reduces facial fine lines and wrinkles, which helps delay the onset of early signs of aging. Additionally, it assists in pore refinement, which smoothens the face.

4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Facial Wash

A bottle of green cosmetic gel.

This type of facial wash assists in removing makeup and sunscreen residues, as well as removing oil buildup to prevent breakouts like acne, pimples, and zits. It also thoroughly cleans the face to stop the development of blackheads and whiteheads. Because it is gentler, facial wash is preferred to regular soap.

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Lip Balm 

 Lip balm in a tube made of cardboard with palm leaves on the background.

This type of lip balm has a lot of vitamins and antioxidants that hydrate and calm the lips. Lips can be revitalized, protected, and moisturized.

Conclusion

If you choose extra virgin olive oil products, you should take into account the advice we have provided so that you can purchase a genuine and high-quality product. When making an online purchase, be sure to read the reviews so that you have a reference point based on the actual experiences of other customers. To ensure that the olive oil you purchase comes from the best sources, be sure to thoroughly research its origin. We have ensured that the lists we have provided above, especially those that are related to food, are made entirely of extra virgin olive oil.