We are very lucky; we are the largest producer of olive oil and we have a delicious oil that also has multiple properties for our body, skin, and hair. In this short post, we want to tell you some interesting facts and make sure you understand the type of olive oil we should consume to guarantee it retains all its nutrients. Did you know that...?
1. The olive tree is considered sacred by many religions and cultures and a symbol of wisdom and peace.
2. Of the olive oil sold, 70% is NOT pure oil. Therefore, we can be suspicious of those sold as "mild flavored" or "purified." It is highly likely that they have undergone various changes during their composition, and thus, the benefits of olive oil are not the same and have been altered.
3. Approximately, oil can be extracted from one-third of an olive.
4. Squeezing an olive is easier if we increase the temperature. That's why...
5. The best: first cold-pressed virgin olive oil. The olive goes into a centrifuge, from which the oil is extracted. When the oil is first cold-pressed, it means the process is carried out at a temperature below 27ºC. This way, all the antioxidants of the olive oil remain intact, and the chemical structure of the olive molecules is preserved.
6. Why do most come from a higher temperature? If we can extract more oil at a higher temperature, some companies take more advantage of the olive and lower their production costs. This way, they earn more money. The downside is that the aromas are lost more, and sometimes even solvents and chemical antioxidants with carcinogenic potential are used. But, do you know the worst part? It seems that this industry is not obligated to state this on the label. Therefore, be very careful!
7. The lower its acidity, the better the quality of the oil.
8. There are more than 2000 different varieties of olive oil.
9. First cold-pressed virgin olive oil or extra virgin olive oil are considered among the 25 superfoods.
10. And here we leave you the infographic we have made so you can quickly see some of the benefits that first cold-pressed virgin and extra virgin olive oil have for our health. And, as always, don't be fooled. Get well informed and always ask for quality olive oil. We love it, and that's why we always use it in our facial treatments.
