The Virtues of Olive Oil

Cinzia Cuneo 15 gennaio, 2018 salute del cuore, cucine del mondo

Olive oil has been consumed by Mediterranean people for nearly 5000 years, used as much for their savory dishes as for their sweet dishes. For the past ten years, a craze has developed for this product worldwide, both for its taste and for its health benefits.

Olive oil is indeed the vegetable oil that contains the largest amount of good fats. Its regular consumption is associated with a reduction in bad blood cholesterol (LDL) and a slight increase in good cholesterol (HDL). It is also a source of antioxidants, which could reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Contrary to popular belief, olive oil supports heat very well and can, therefore, be used when frying foods. In my kitchen, I always have at least two different kinds of olive oil, a regular one for cooking and an extra-virgin one for salads, which is more expensive but tastier.

Olive oil must be consumed within two years because its fatty acids oxidize over time. It must also be protected from the air, light and heat. Ideally it is stored in a tightly closed opaque container and in a cool place (15 to 18 ° C), but not in the refrigerator.

Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on January 17, 2009.

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.