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Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Olive Oil: Which is Healthier?

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Olive Oil - Which is Healthier - Pizza Bien

We’ve all seen the hype of extra virgin olive oil around us, so the question must come to mind - Extra Virgin olive oil or regular olive oil, which one is healthier?

Extra virgin olive oil is a type of pure, cold-pressed olive oil that has not been exposed to heat or light. The oil is made from the first cold pressing of olives and has a fruity, peppery taste. It is also medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be converted into ketones in the body and used as an energy source.

However, regular olive oil also has a lot to offer. Hence, without any further ado, let’s get into knowing everything about EVOO, regular olive oil, and how you can use it with authentic Neapolitan pizza

What Makes EVOO Different?

It's essential to know the difference between the two oils available. Although olive oil has some health benefits, its high-calorie content makes it a poor choice for weight loss. A tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil contains 119 calories. 

Consuming a large amount of olive oil can make it challenging to maintain a moderate weight. Moreover, some people are allergic to olives or olive oil. If you have these allergies, avoid using olive oil or eating smaller amounts of it.

When choosing olive oil, try to choose a brand with a quality seal. You can buy olive oil from an online store if you don't live near an olive oil-producing area. Purchasing from an online olive oil producer will ensure you get the best quality olive oil. 

There are many olive oil producers with websites. However, be careful because some online sellers just bottle the other person's oil. Some online boutiques only sell a limited range of high-quality olive oil.

What is the Difference Between EVOO and Regular Olive Oil?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains more antioxidants, monounsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins than its regular cousin. 

These compounds benefit the heart and your diet, making it a great choice for cooking, baking, and salad tossing. You may also use it for dips and salad dressings, which makes it a healthier alternative for many people. 

Virgin olive oil is not sold in most grocery stores. It's a blend of virgin and refined olive oil. It has lower acid content than extra virgin oil and is usually blended with 5% to 15% of fine olive oil. Refined olive oil has a higher fatty acid content. However, it's cheaper than EVOO. So, when choosing between EVOO and regular olive oil, choose wisely.

  • EVOO is all-natural 

Extra virgin olive oil is extracted mechanically from ripe olives without heat, chemicals, or solvents. It is considered the purest form of olive oil and meets strict requirements for quality and flavor. 

If you’re wondering how to use EVOO in all-natural pizza, check out Tartufina pizza.

It can be used for dipping and shines through dressings. The flavor of good EVOO is fruity and fresh, while unripe olives produce a bitter and grassy oil.

  • EVOO is Cold-Pressed 

When comparing EVOO with regular olive oil, look for "extra virgin" on the label. It is more expensive than the latter. EVOO is made from cold-pressed, unrefined olives. 

The first extraction is cold, and EVOO is pure and has minimal flaws. It should also be sourced locally, as the more expensive EVOO is not produced in a commercial factory.

  • EVOO has a Better Refinery

EVOO is made from the best olives. Its chemical structure is sensitive and delicate, meaning the oil will retain its full flavor. 

Regular olive oil has a neutral odor, but EVOO has a distinct taste and aroma. It is also a healthier choice than other refined oils. A side benefit of EVOO is that it's lighter and easier on your stomach than regular olive oil.

  • EVOO has a Higher Smoke Point

Choosing a quality oil with the highest smoke point is important. The smoke point of EVOO is higher than that of refined olive oil, so you can use it for cooking most of the time. Its higher smoke point also makes it ideal for baking. 

The best olive oil is made from extra virgin olive oil. There are two types of olive oil: refined and extra light.

  • EVOO has Smoother Cooking

Processed olive oil is less healthy and has lower omega-3 fatty acid content. It also retains more nutrients than regular olive oil, so purchasing EVOO for cooking is better. Regular olive oil also has a higher smoking point, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking. 

So, choosing the right type for your specific needs is important. If you want to enjoy the best taste of your food, look for EVOO.

Should You Have Olive Oil Regularly?

Regarding health benefits, olive oil has been proven to reduce cholesterol levels. Both kinds are beneficial for heart health, as they help lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. 

However, extra virgin olive oil is believed to have more health benefits because of its high content of tocopherols and hydroxytyrosol, two plant compounds that promote good health. In addition, olive oil comes in various flavors and is suitable for cooking or baking. It is even a complement to sweet dishes.

Both olive oil and extra virgin olive oils are packed with polyphenols. These compounds have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

What Are The Benefits Of Olive Oil?

Furthermore, both oils are good sources of monounsaturated fatty acids. In addition, extra virgin olive oil is said to protect against cancer, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. They benefit your health, but you should always read labels before using either.

While the antioxidants in olive oil help protect against heart disease, extra virgin olive oil is also known to lower cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. 

Olive oil is a natural source of antioxidants and has been found to reduce inflammatory markers in test tubes. However, more research is necessary to conclude. It is best to consult with your doctor about the right choice for you.

Olive Oil On Pizza: Before or After Cooking?

olive oil on pizza before or after cooking - Pizza Bien

Olive oil is a great addition to pizza before or after cooking. It has a fruity taste and helps to give the pizza its characteristic taste. Olive oil is also great for salads and can be used in place of mayonnaise on various salads.

Olive oil adds a special Mediterranean flavor to the dough and can prevent it from becoming soggy. If you’re wondering which flour you should use with olive oil, click here

The oil in the dough will help prevent it from getting wet while it cooks, and it can also improve its crispiness. But does it matter if it’s before or after cooking?

The answer is all about personal preference. In a classic Neapolitan pizza joint, the pizza is drizzled with olive oil just after it comes out of the oven. Alternatively, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on your pizza before it bakes. The reason for this is that olive oil helps the toppings blend together. This will give your pizza a crispy outer crust and a soft inner layer.

Using Olive Oil Before Cooking

Adding olive oil before cooking your pizza dough can help it rise. While olive oil will make the crust look flatter, it will also soften the gluten network. Using oil in the dough may cause gas bubbles to expand less, but this is no cause for concern. 

Olive oil will not hinder the rising process but will give the crust a flat surface. It will be easier to cook if you use olive oil on your pizza dough. Below is how to use EVOO on pizza before cooking. 

  • Before baking your pizza, you should pre-cook the crust in olive oil. This will allow the cheese to melt. 
  • Next, spread a layer of tomato sauce over the crust and sprinkle it with cheese. 
  • Put the pizza on a preheated stone to bake. 
  • After eight to ten minutes, you should check the oven temperature and flip the pizza if it is browning unevenly. 
  • Once the pizza is cooked, let it cool before cutting it. It is best to let it cool on a cooling rack before cutting.

Using Olive Oil After Cooking

When making pizza, consider how salty the toppings are. You can use less oil if you want a bland flavor. However, if you want a cheesy crust, you should consider using more olive oil. 

The extra virgin olive oil adds a unique Italian flavor to the pizza, which makes it an excellent choice for cooking. It also has many other health benefits. You should consider olive oil when making your pizza crust to make the best possible pizza without sacrificing the flavor.

When you add olive oil to your pizza, you can choose a specific type based on what it is. Some pizzaiolos use extra virgin olive oil, while others use generic olive oil. The best kind of olive oil is extra virgin olive oil.

Olive oil adds fragrance and flavor to the pizza. So, if you have homemade pizza dough, you can drizzle it on it before or after cooking. It will give the crust a golden color and a crispy texture. You can also drizzle it on pizza before serving. 

Conclusion

Virgin olive oil is produced by pressing the oil directly from the olives, whereas extra virgin olive oils are refined by high heat. Regular olive oil is a mixture of oil from a second pressing and the oils released during heat treatment or chemical processes. 

But when it’s put in comparison, extra virgin olive oil takes the deal. Thus, till the next time - happy feasting and stay with Pizza Bien.

Our real Italian pizzas from Italy are handmade with all-natural high quality and fresh ingredients in Naples, Italy shipped to you, anywhere in the U.S. Click Here to Buy Now!

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