Olive Oil

  Olive oil is a liquid fat made from olives. Olives are crushed and the juice that comes is the olive oil. It is considered to be very healthy, because of the contents of monounsaturated fat. 

Olive oil is basic element of Mediterranean diet.

Olive oil is categorised in:

• Extra virgin olive oil (acidity ≤ 0,8%)
• Virgin olive oil (acidity ≤ 2,0%)
• Olive oil lampante (acidity ≤ 2,0%). It is not for use like this. It is going to be refined or for industrial use.

Uses of olive oil, except on foods.

• For lighting
• For perfumes
• As a preservative
• For body and hair

Olive oil and health

• Reduce of “bad” cholesterol
• Better digestion
• The prevention of cardiovascular episodes and protect the body from heart  diseases because of the powerful antioxidants contained.
• The reduction of gastric juice.
• The best absorption of calcium by the body.
• Prevent cancer
• Rejuvenate skin

   Finally it should not be omitted the fact that while the oil promotes health, its consumption should be moderated because of the caloric content. (1 tablespoon has 135 calories. It is recommended to have 2-3 tablespoons olive oil daily.)

Olive oil in cooking is used:

• In salads
• For marinate
• As a preservative (in tursu etc.)
• In cooking/ frying/ baking

         Chef                      

              Chirstos Georgogiannopoulos