Olive oil is an Italian excellence recognized all over the world. Its use is not exclusive to the kitchen. In fact, it is also used in cosmetics as well as in some pharmaceutical products. Without forgetting its countless health benefits!
A little history of olive oil
That thegreen gold it is obtained by pressing the olives it is well known. But perhaps not everyone knows that his story begins a long time ago. The birth of the olive trees is traced back to Israel, more precisely in Haifa, in the Eastern Mediterranean. We are talking about the V millennium BC. But various testimonies suggest that olives were grown in Crete as early as 2500 BC The spread of the plant is certainly due to the Greeks and Romans. They are the ones who have developed the various techniques of oil production and conservation and to have handed them down to the present day.
The classification of olive oil
Depending on the harvesting method, the type of processing and its organoleptic characteristics, the oil can be divided into different categories. Do you ever go to the supermarket and find numerous bottles with different denominations? Why are there all these "variants"? Which the best oil to bring to our table? Surely the so-called Extra Virgin Olive Oil. With a low degree of acidity (it never exceeds 1%) it is considered valuable compared to all the others. Its taste is defined as "perfect"Because it is processed in such a way as not to cause any alteration to its composition. Then there is theVirgin Olive Oil, with an acidity of just over 1%. Taste "perfect"And of lower quality than the previous one. L'Olive oil, on the other hand, it is a mix of extra virgin olive oil,oil virgin and other oils that are subjected to refining processes.
Uses of Olive Oil
In addition to guaranteeing the success of numerous culinary specialties, oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is considered a good for human health. There are numerous scientific studies that demonstrate its importance in prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, the presence of "bad" cholesterol decreases. But not only. It reduces inflammation and the risk of cancer. Slows down cellular aging e improves the functionality of the digestive system. It is great in the diabetes prevention. Finally, its composition is very similar to that of breast milk. It therefore comes recommended in infant nutrition. The daily consumption (three tablespoons raw) of extra virgin olive oil is therefore useful for the well-being of our body. And that's why theOlive oil has become the condiment of choice of the Mediterranean Diet.
