Is refined olive oil good for health?
Do you know the differences between extra virgin olive oil and refined oil? These two types of oil are not the same and, of course, it is noticeable in a series of differences that go beyond the price.
The extra virgin is the authentic juice of the olive fruit and ensures that we can enjoy all the benefits of olive oil. However, refining undergoes an industrial process to generate an oil suitable for consumption and with certain characteristics desired by consumers. For this reason, we already anticipate that also in terms of health benefits, the EVOO, the highest quality, surpasses all the levels to which it has been refined. Although this does not mean that refined olive oil is bad for health, there is simply a much better option.
In this article you will discover what is refined olive oil, how it is presented in the supermarket and the differences it has with respect to EVOO. From Beloleum We work to value a natural product, of the highest quality and with centuries of tradition in Mediterranean cuisine: extra virgin olive oil.
What is refined olive oil?
Refined olive oil is one that has undergone a refining process of virgin olive oil and cannot exceed 0.3 grams per 100 grams (0.3°) of acidity (Unit used to measure the amount of free oleic acid).
Refined olive oil is made with Lampante olive oil (defective) and raw pomace oil (remains of the olive). In a series of processes that are carried out in an industrial plant, the refinery is achieved Eliminate impurities and correct some parameters to make them suitable for consumption and with the aim that they do not communicate undesirable characteristics for the consumer. Among the oil problems before refining we find high acidity, undesirable elements in suspension or dissolution, as well as undesirable colors or odors.
The oil that we find in the store under the name of “olive oil” consists of the mixture of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil. In fact, on the label you will see that it says: “It contains exclusively refined olive oils and virgin olive oils”. Its acidity cannot be greater than 1 gram per 100 grams (1°) and it is the most consumed by the Spanish, above the extra virgin olive oil.
Olive oil refining process
The refining of olive oil was introduced to the industry at the end of the 19th century and has undergone important innovations. This process is no stranger to other vegetable oils, which need to go through the refinery in order to be consumed. In fact, the virgin oil and the extra virgin that are made in the oil mill are two exceptions, as they are pure olive juices. These are some of the phases of olive oil refining:
- DEGUARD: Eliminate some of the compounds responsible for gummy bodies appearing in the containers.
- Neutralization: to reduce acidity.
- Discoloration: to create a more attractive color for the consumer.
- Deodorization: with the aim of eliminating bad smells and flavors.
So: What are the differences between virgin olive oil and refined?
- Name: Refined olive oil is offered to consumers mixed with virgin oils and under the name of “olive oil”. For its part, the “extra virgin olive oil” is labeled like this and is 100% olive juice, in addition to meeting other requirements.
- QUALITY: Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality. In fact, it also surpasses the so-called virgin olive oil. In addition to acidity parameters, virgin olive oil, despite having a high quality, is not perfect in organoleptic terms. Here you can see the Main differences between EVOO and Extra Virgin.
- Health benefits: If you want to fully enjoy the health benefits of olive oil, experts recommend that you opt for the extra virgin or the virgin, a completely natural product that preserves its components and properties unchanged. Remember that it is authentic olive juice and that, unlike common olive oil, it is not mixed with refined oils.
- PRICE: As you may have already observed in the shopping cart, the price of EVOO is logically higher than that of others of lesser category. But now, with all the information available, it is your choice as a consumer. What oil to choose for each use.
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