They say one thing that can be more overwhelming than choosing the right wine for an occasion is picking the right olive oil. Today you can find a wide range of olive oil types: grassy, pure, cold-pressed, and organics. Olive oil serves as a foundation for several dishes, and olive oil sets the base for multiple dishes you consume daily. If you have been using healthy olive oil daily, it would be better to buy an olive oil hamper would be better.
Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil has become a kitchen staple due to its multiple benefits. This is particularly true for the extra virgin olive oil. Scientific studies have backed the benefits of olive oil.
Has a large number of antioxidants
Extra virgin olive oil is highly nutritious. It is known for its beneficial fatty acids as well as sufficient amounts of vitamins E and K. Olive oil is also known for being rich in antioxidants, which are biologically active and are known to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Moreover, they are known to fight off inflammation and provide protection to your blood cholesterol from oxidation. These lead to reduced risk of heart disease.
Reduces type 2 diabetes
Olive oil is known to protect against type 2 diabetes naturally. Studies have shown this oil’s effects on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. This was backed by a randomized clinical study done on 418 healthy people which proved the protective impact of olive oil. In this study, olive oil mixed with a Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40 percent.
Has antibacterial properties
Olive oil is loaded with nutrients that can eliminate or prohibit the growth of harmful bacteria. One of the bacteria it eliminates is Helicobacter pylori which can cause stomach ulcers and cancer. According to test-tube studies, extra virgin olive oil can fight off eight strains of this bacterium. Three of these strains are resistant to antibiotics.
Types of olive oil
The best part about buying an olive oil hamper is that you can have a variety of olive products in it. This also makes a lovely gift to your friends and loved ones. The following are some of the olive oil types you can have.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is the highest grade of olive oil. This is the grade you want to serve and consume straight up. It is also the best to use for recipes where olive oil has a primary role.
Virgin Olive Oil
This type comes second to extra virgin olive oil. This is an unrefined type, but it is more acidic than extra virgin. It can still be used on the same dishes where extra virgin olive oil is used and consumed with bread.
