Olive oil is a liquid fat obtained from olives, a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin.
The oil is produced by pressing whole olives. It is commonly used in cooking, whether for frying or as a salad dressing.
Olive oil is 100% fat and contains 884 calories in 100 grams.
Olive oil calories are exactly the same number as found in vegetable and animal fats, such as canola or butter; however, olive oil is by far the most nutrient-rich.
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 73 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
What is the healthiest olive oil?
The best type is extra virgin olive oil.
It is extracted using natural methods and standardized for purity and certain sensory qualities like taste and smell.
Olive oil that is truly extra virgin has a distinctive taste and is high in phenolic antioxidants, the main reason why (real) olive oil is so beneficial.
Can I drink extra virgin olive oil?
It can be consumed in the same amount as any other oil. The recommended amount is half a liter per person per month.
According to the US FDA, having two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily may reduce the risk of heart disease, due to its monounsaturated fat content.