What Is The Difference Between Normal Olive Oil And Extra Virgin Olive Oil

We all visit a grocery store and used to notice two types of olive oil in the shelf. Most of us would have wondered and asked ourselves “what is the difference between normal olive oil and extra virgin olive oil”. Here we are going to discuss about it and yes, Let’s get a real clarity on the difference between normal olive oil and extra virgin olive oil.

At first, Let’s get a glimpse of the health benefits of much hyped Olive oil. Olive oil, specifically extra virgin olive oil has some real health benefits to boast of. It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid (73%), polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega3 and omega6 (11%), Vitamin E and Vitamin K. The most discussed and important health benefits of it include,

1. Olive oil improves heart health

2. Reduce the incidence of clotting disorders like stroke

3. Maintains a good blood cholesterol levels

4. Olive oil is a power house of antioxidants contributing to overall health

5. It has Anti-cancer, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-ageing properties

6. Reduces the chances of developing chronic conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity

7. Reduces the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the list is big though!

Normal olive oil and extra virgin olive oil; The mode of production, nutritional qualities and in specific use cases of them are different. Nutritionally speaking, both of them contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in variable quantities.

Extra virgin olive oil is made by the process of cold pressing. It is more natural and hence, has rich natural flavor and aroma. Extra virgin olive oil is nutritionally superior and is costlier too. It has a darker yellow shade of color. Unfortunately, it cannot be used for cooking as the thermally less stable. Hence, extra virgin olive oil is used as a dipping or as a salad dressing like purposes which does not involve heat.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pros-

• Less processed

• Nutritionally Superior and healthier

• Better flavor and aroma

Cons-

• High cost

• Can not be used for cooking

On the other hand, Normal olive oil as we see is a bit more chemically or thermally processed and refined than extra virgin olive oil. It has more heat stability and so, it is advised to use them for cooking purposes. We can use it for sauteing, making curries and all. It has relatively less flavor and the color is lighter than extra virgin olive oil. Normal olive oil has less price too.

I think now you understood the most important aspects in the difference between normal olive oil and extra virgin olive oil.

Normal Olive Oil

Pros-

• Low cost

• can be used for cooking

Cons-

• Processed/Refined

• Nutritionally Inferior

• less flavor and aroma

One more important thing to consider are the “fake labelled” extra virgin olive oils that are mixed with other refined oils; Always check the nutritional label before buying the product. Below is a sample nutritional label of a genuine extra virgin olive oil for your understanding. Hope this helps. Please SHARE this article and SUBSCRIBE to my news letter for useful articles like this.