How is extra virgin olive oil better (in cooking) than other kinds of oil?

Question

Compared to the nutrition facts for vegetable oil, there is no difference, but everyone says it is better and healthier.

Answer 1

Its a very pure monounsaturated fat and the best for for HDL (good) cholesterol. Rapeseed oil is just as good as is flax (linseed) oil. Vegetable oils can be blends and you never know quite what you are getting!

Answer 2

You have to look at the breakdown of fats. It is higher than most oils in its proportion of monounsaturated fats, which are more stable when cooked then polyunsaturated fats. What this means is that they don't oxidize as easily. Oxidation promotes free radical damage, can potentially damage cells, cause aging, etc. Monounsaturated fats are also important sources of HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. Finally, extra virgin olive oil has a good amount of antioxidants. If you are cooking at relatively low temperatures, olive oil is fine. However, if you are cooking at a high temperature, consider coconut oil, which contrary to popular myths, don't cause an increase in blood cholesterol.

BTW: polyunsaturated fats, like flax seed oil, walnut oil. etc. are important as well, as they contain important components, like Omega 3s, and Vitamin E. But these should never be cooked, and should be refrigerated before using.

Answer 3

It really isn't the best oil for cooking. The best oil for cooking is Canola oil, but a lot of people use olive oil because it really is healthy for you. Olive oil has a low smoke point, so that's why it makes it not a great oil to cook with. But for everything else, use olive oil.

Answer 4

extra virgin olive oil is better because it is rich in the "good fats" and it tastes goood .. just use it its better and healthier for you

Answer 5

Its the expeller press that they use to manufacture it. Although the basis is the same its the process that drains and sorts all of the impurities out of it. The less processes the more chemicals.

Answer 6

It's made from more than one virgin. That extra virgin really helps.