Is heating olive oil in the microwave dangerous for your health?

Question

I like to put olive oil on rice and other food. Ihave also heard that it should never be used as frying oil because it degenerates into something that is carcinogenic. Have you ever heard this or of the risks of heating it in micorwave ovens?

Yes Lani, I also heard that, buy I don't think they use it as frying oil, they only put it on already cooked meals. It seems that under extreme heat, the olive oil breaks down into something not so healthy.

Answer 1

Have you ever used it as frying oil. It's the smoke you have to worry about. However, given that you have a good ventillation system, it's not a problem. Check out these websites I found. I just don't like its taste, however, it's an extremely health source of fats.

http://www.australianolives.com.au/buy/oliveoilfacts.htm
http://chinesefood.about.com/od/cookingfaqs/f/stirfryoliveoil.htm

Answer 2

What I heard is the contrary. It was mentioned that it helps to prevent cancer.That is why people along the Mediterranean who uses olive have less incidence of cancer (prostate cancer was highlighted as I remember)