Top Reasons to Buy High Quality Olive Oil

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been in the grocery store, looking at the shelves jammed full of olive oil, wondering “what’s the big deal?” We get it – with the hectic pace of life today it can be really tempting to just grab the nearest bottle of olive oil from whatever store you’re in and take it home to cook dinner that night.

But wait, don’t fall into that trap. While buying olive oil from the store isn’t bad, there are a lot of benefits that come when you simply upgrade your oil. We broke down the top reasons to buy high quality olive oil so check them out below.

1. Increased Health Benefits

When you purchase a high-quality olive oil, you’re pretty much guaranteed that it will be extra virgin. Extra virgin olive oils are made from the first cold pressing of the olive fruit. This method of extraction doesn’t use any heat or chemicals to remove the oils which means that all of the nutritional health benefits of the oil remain intact and transfer to the oil itself.

Wondering exactly what kind of health benefits you get from olive oil? They contain a high number of healthy fats, they are high in antioxidants, they’ve been linked to diabetes prevention and they can help lower blood pressure.

2. You Know Where Your Olive Oil Came From

With the rise in the popularity of olive oil over the last few decades, there came an increase in the presence of fake olive oils on the market. In fact, the market became over run with oils that were only partially comprised of true olive oil and were mixed and “watered down” with other, less healthy oils like vegetable and corn oils. In truth it became difficult for the reputable providers of olive oil to maintain high standards for the industry.

Today if you’re buying a high-quality extra virgin olive oil the label should tell you all that you need to know about your oil. It should include appellation telling you where the oil was produced, it will include a bottling and expiration date as well.

If you’re lucky enough to find a specialty retailer for olive oils then that’s the best way to ensure a fresh product. At D’Olivo we source our oils from Veronica Foods, an extremely reputable wholesaler, who adheres to the strictest standards for quality ensuring all our oils bear the designation of Ultra-Premium.

3. Before Purchase Your Oil Will Be Properly Cared For

If you’re purchasing a high-quality olive oil, then the most likely place to find these is from a small specialty retailer of olive oils. These retailers are extremely knowledgeable about olive oil and take care of the oils in an extremely methodical fashion.

As a fresh product, olive oil can easily be damaged by exposure to heat and light which most often occurs if it is stored improperly. At D’Olivo all of our oils are stored in large, stainless-steal fusti to ensure the oils are not exposed to heat or light while on the shelves. Oils are then transferred to dark glass bottles to ensure they’re protected while waiting for customers to pick them up. Some oils may even be bottled fresh out the fusti to ensure the freshest product.

In addition, as a specialty retailer olive oil is our business which means products move more quickly off the shelves. You’ll never run into an issue where a bottle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar has been on the shelf for very long.

While olive oil can be stored for a period of time, it’s recommended that all olive oils be used up within 24 months if sealed, and if opened that they be used more quickly to avoid having your oil go bad.

Wondering how to choose a high-quality olive oil? Check out our blog here https://dolivotastingbar.com/how-to-choose-a-high-quality-olive-oil/

October 7, 2019

Is Olive Oil Bad For You?

Despite having long been considered the healthiest oil on the planet, in recent years, olive oil has come under fire. As with almost every other healthy food, new studies are attempting to debunk olive oil’s abundance of health claims.

Understanding this can be frustratingly confusing for consumers, we’ve decided to address this lingering question once and for all. Join us as we take an in-depth look at the numerous, proven reasons olive oil continues to stand as the healthiest oil you can incorporate in your diet.

1. Olive Oil is High in Monounsaturated Fats

One of the main arguments that skeptics like to use in making a case against olive oil is that monounsaturated fats can still contribute to atherosclerosis. While it’s certainly true that monounsaturated fats can lead to arterial and heart problems when consumed in large amounts, any fat consumed in large amounts will do exactly the same.

What makes the monounsaturated fats in olive oil so healthy is the beneficial properties that other fats are lacking. Oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fat found in olive oil has been shown in multiple studies to help reduce inflammation in the body.

Additionally, monounsaturated fats are well known to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol, helping to mitigate the risk of heart disease and stroke. Lastly, monounsaturated fats are naturally resistant to heat, making olive oil the perfect oil to cook with, especially when compared to alternative oils.

2. Olive Oil is Packed With Antioxidants

Another way that skeptics try to take a swing at olive oil is by proclaiming that all plant-based foods are packed with polyphenols and sterols, and therefore you should avoid incorporating olive oil in your diet. While it’s certainly true that most plant-based foods have naturally high levels of polyphenols and sterols so long as they undergo minimal to no processing, that doesn’t mean they can or should replace olive oil in your diet.

Because extra virgin olive oil is the least processed of the various types of olive oil you can buy, it preserves all of its natural antioxidants and beneficial compounds. By comparison, since most other oils are heavily processed, they have little to no beneficial properties or antioxidants.

The antioxidants found in extra virgin olive oil offer a variety of health benefits that have been proven by multiple studies. In fact, the phenolic compounds in combination with vitamin E have been shown to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis.

3. Olive Oil Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Scientists have long known that chronic inflammation in the body can contribute to the development of a variety of different diseases. Because recent studies have also found that high fat diets increase inflammatory markers in the body, many olive oil skeptics have jumped to the conclusion that consuming olive oil in your diet must do the same thing.

As it turns out, olive oil has multiple anti-inflammatory properties that are well documented with research. Tying into point number two, antioxidants take center stage once again, largely contributing to olive oil’s anti-inflammatory effects.

One phenolic compound in particular, oleocanthal, has been shown to work similarly to one of the most common OTC medications, ibuprofen. Though more research still needs to be done, another study found evidence suggesting that the antioxidants in olive oil actually inhibit genes and proteins that are known to drive inflammation.

If that’s still not enough evidence, further studies have found that oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fat in olive oil, actually reduces CRP (C-reactive protein), an important inflammatory marker in the body. Together, all of the studies and evidence are largely in support of olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Olive Oil Helps Prevent Heart Disease

The latest study that olive oil skeptics have been using to make a case in their defense relates to vasoconstriction that occurs after eating a meal high in fat. Despite the study showing evidence that olive oil and other fats can cause arterial constriction for a limited amount of time, they were unable to prove that vasoconstriction was causing any damage to the arteries.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are hundreds of studies continuing to find supportive evidence that olive oil actually helps prevent heart disease, not cause it. As the leading cause of death in the world, studies have time and time again found that individuals following the Mediterranean diet (of which olive oil is one of the primary ingredients) have drastically reduced rates of heart disease.

Even more convincingly and in direct opposition of Dr. Vogel’s recent findings, dozens of studies have shown that olive oil not only lowers inflammation, but that it prevents LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized, may prevent blood clotting, and decreases blood pressure while improving endothelial function.

In further support of olive oil’s protective properties, another study found that olive oil was able to reduce the need for blood pressure medication by an impressive 48%, one of the worst risk factors for heart disease.

Our Conclusions

Having only just scratched the surface of olive oil’s numerous health benefits, the overwhelming amount of evidence and research in support of these claims leave little room for doubt. Here at D’Olivo, we’ve made it our mission and passion to introduce any and everyone we come in contact with to the deliciously holistic world of olive oil.

That is why we firmly believe that olive oil is and will continue to be the healthiest oil you can incorporate into your diet. There are lots of great options, both regular and flavored olive oils, to choose from that will make any dish delicious.

July 23, 2019July 3, 2019

9 Things You Didn’t Know About Olive Oil

It’s all too easy to take olive oil for granted. Even though most people know that olive oil is more healthy than other alternatives (such as canola or vegetable oil), it’s still rarely viewed as more than a cooking ingredient.

Here at D’Olivo, we’ve made it our life mission to open the eyes of all we come in contact with and introduce them to the holistic (and delicious) world of olive oil. Think you know a lot about olive oil? We’re about to test your knowledge with 10 fun facts (some of which we didn’t even know!)

1. 11 Pounds of Olives = 1 Quart of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

You read that correctly – 11 POUNDS of freshly picked olives are needed to produce just one quart (32 ounces) of extra virgin olive oil. To further put that into perspective, most mature olive trees will only produce 33-44 pounds of olives each growing season.

That means each tree is only capable of producing between 3-4 quarts of extra virgin olive oil every year. This is one of the reasons EVOO fetches a higher price tag than other olive variants such as “light” or “pure”.

Because extra virgin olive oil is only made using oil obtained from the first press, growers can only produce so much each year.

2. The Average Olive Tree Lives For 300-600 Years

Since we were on the topic of olive trees, we figured we’d share the impressive life span these rather normal looking trees boast. Depending on where you get your olive oil from and the brand you buy, you could potentially be consuming olive oil from a tree that’s been around for 5+ generations!

It’s also worth noting that olive trees take years before they even begin producing fruit that can be used to make olive oil. Depending on the type of tree being grown, olive farmers may have to wait for as little as 3 years or as long as 12 years before they can use the fruit.

3. Flavor Directly Relates to Antioxidant Content

Have you ever tasted olive oil that was particularly….olive-y in flavor? If so, there’s a good chance it was extra virgin olive oil. As with many foods and ingredients in the culinary world, olives retain more flavor when they’re processed less.

Another added benefit of minimal processing is a higher concentration of beneficial properties – namely, antioxidants. In addition to being extremely healthy, antioxidants lend a distinctive bitterness to olive oil, which can be used to help distinguish between higher quality oils.

4. Olive Oil Lowers LDL & Raises HDL Cholesterol

When most people hear the word cholesterol, they automatically think it’s bad. This is only true when referring to LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein). When you have too much LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, you enter a higher risk of developing a harmful buildup of plaque in the arteries.

On the other hand, HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein) is good for you since it helps eliminate LDL cholesterol. Incorporating olive oil in your diet on a regular basis can help ensure your cholesterol profile remains healthy.

5. Greeks Consume 5.5 Gallons of Olive Oil Each Year

Coming out to just under a quarter cup of olive oil each day, Greeks easily top the chart when it comes to olive oil consumption. By comparison, the average US citizen consumes only ⅓ of a gallon of olive oil each year.

Even though that may seem like a lot of oil to consume in a single year, research has time and time again found Greeks to be some of the healthiest people on the planet. This is why the Mediterranean diet has become such a popular staple.

6. Olive Oil Has Anti-Cancer Properties

Because olive oil has been shown to be so beneficial in many areas of health, some may not be surprised to learn that it also has anti-cancer properties. In fact, olive oil has been found to have numerous anti-cancer agents, most of which come in the form of antioxidants.

Researchers became interested in olive oil relating to cancer when they discovered that populations largely sticking to the Mediterranean diet have some of the lowest instances of cancer on the planet.

7. Olive Oil Can Extend the Shelf Life of Baked Goods

Have you ever baked a large batch of cookies, muffins, or even bread only to find that the majority has gone bad before you eat it? As it turns out, by simply replacing butter or margarine in your baking recipes, you can dramatically increase the shelf life of your baked goods.

The vitamin E rich nature of olive oil helps to preserve freshness so you can enjoy your tasty muffins long after they’ve come out of the oven. However, because olive oil carries a stronger taste than butter, we recommend using only half the suggested amount.

8. Olive Oil May Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

Once again, those who regularly follow the Mediterranean diet also display some of the lowest instances of high blood pressure. Though research has yet to find any definitive reason for the link between olive oil consumption and low blood pressure, tens of thousands around the world have enjoyed this healing benefit.

In fact, some patients that have high blood pressure are able to reduce the number of medications they take by simply adding olive oil to their diets.

9. Green and Black Olives Are Actually The Same
The only difference between green and black olives is the level of ripeness when they’re harvested. Green olives are harvested early on so that they keep their signature green coat, while black olives are left on the tree for a longer period of time.

As an olive ripens, it begins to lose its green color and takes on a spectrum ranging from dark purple to black depending on when the farmer chooses to harvest. All of that being said, there is a difference in taste between green and black olives.

Green olives tend to be a little more on the bitter side while black olives contain more oil and less salt.

June 6, 2019May 9, 2019

Olive Oil Nutrition

If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you’re wanting to know how olive oil can be so healthy but so calorie-dense at the same time. After all, clocking in at roughly 120 calories per tablespoon is no joke, especially considering that some people use olive oil much in the same way they use America’s favorite condiment – ketchup.

So, in this article, we’re going to be taking an in-depth look at the nutrition behind what’s largely considered to be the healthiest oil on Earth.

What is Olive Oil?

Dating back more than 4,000 years, olive oil has managed to make its way into practically every country and culture around the world. Originating from the Mediterranean region, the craft of turning olives into olive oil has been passed down for generations. In fact, it’s because of this that these regions continue to produce some of the highest quality olive oil you’ll find anywhere.

As with any fruit or vegetable, in order to get the highest quality olive oil, you have to understand the importance of how the olives are grown. Now, you may be wondering, why should I care about the way olives are grown? I came here to learn about the nutrition facts.

As it turns out, not all olives have the same nutrient profile. Even though the calories may appear identical, the beneficial nutrients that aren’t listed on the nutrition label are largely determined by the quality of the olives themselves.

Everything from the way the trees are groomed and the olives are picked to how they’re transported and processed plays a key role in establishing the quality of the finished product. For example, buying olive oil from the Mediterranean region that states it was made from “hand-picked” or “tree” olives it a strong indicator that the farmer places special care into every step of the production process.

While this may take a little extra legwork if you’re buying olive oil from a large supermarket chain, the nutritional benefits can be night and day.

Olive Oil Nutrition

Because fat has been labeled public enemy number one for more than a decade, a lot of people get turned off by olive oil when they see that it’s composed almost entirely of fat. We’re here to show you that the fat, in addition to other unlisted nutrients, found in olive oil is actually healthy.

1. Let’s Talk Healthy Fats

Though the numbers can vary slightly from bottle to bottle, in most cases, a tablespoon of olive oil will net you 125 calories and 14 grams of fat (about 22% of your daily value). To arrive at this number, simply multiply each gram of fat by 9 – the number of calories one gram of fat equates to in the body.

While that may seem like a bit much for a single tablespoon, it’s important to understand the type of fat that’s in olive oil. On average, the 14 grams is largely comprised of both monounsaturated fats (between 6-7 grams) and polyunsaturated fats (about 4-5 grams). These “good fats” are responsible for all kinds of beneficial happenings in the body, when consumed in moderation, of course.

Some of the benefits include lowering bad cholesterol levels in the blood which can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke, aiding with the creation and maintenance of cells, as well as provide the body with vitamin E, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body.

2. Get Your Dose of Antioxidants

Even though you won’t find these listed anywhere on the nutrition facts label, olive oil is simply packed with beneficial antioxidants that help keep the body in good health. The first one we’re going to touch on is the widely important fat-soluble vitamin E.

While it’s considered a vitamin, E is also an incredibly important antioxidant that helps to balance cholesterol, fight the damaging effects of free radicals, and slow the body’s natural aging process by aiding with skin repair, to name a few.

Up next we have oleocanthal and oleuropein, two of olive oil’s main antioxidants that help with things like reducing inflammation and anti-oxidation. This is incredibly important since both chronic inflammation and oxidation are largely believed to contribute to a variety of diseases.

In fact, countless studies have found evidence that suggests olive oil has the ability to reduce inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Proteins.

3. The Power of Polyphenols

Polyphenols, though technically classified as a phytochemical, commonly fall under the same umbrella as antioxidants due to their beneficial activity in the body. Primarily found in extra virgin olive oil, polyphenols are powerful fighters against free radicals and oxidation, both of which affect how quickly you age as well as increase your risk of developing different diseases.

Unlike the other beneficial compounds we’ve been talking about, polyphenols are only found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) due to the minimal processing. Because EVOO is processed the least out of all the different types, it’s able to retain nearly all of the beneficial properties.

This is why extra virgin olive oil is considered the highest quality olive oil you can buy, and why they demand a higher price tag.

Are You Ready?

Now that you’ve learned all about the various nutritional components olive oil can contain, you probably don’t feel as bad about using it in some of your favorite dishes, right?

When consumed in moderation, olive oil has proven to be a powerful, natural ingredient that bolsters your health and protects against ailments. Here at D’Olivo, we’ve made it our mission to share the holistic benefits of olive oil with as many customers as we possibly can.

It’s for that very reason we carry ultra premium olive oil, sourced from only the highest quality olives and processed using the strictest of standards. Shop online or come visit us in store to experience the D’Olivo difference!

March 7, 2018November 13, 2019

5 Proven Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Contrary to popular fitness trends that tend to pin dietary fat as public enemy number one, olive oil has been incorporated into diets for thousands of years. It stands today as one of the few sources of fat that’s considered healthy. Whether using it for cooking, salad dressings, or a number of other culinary purposes, olive oil goes far beyond a simple pantry product.

In this article, though olive oil carries dozens of beneficial properties, we’re going to explore the 5 most scientifically backed health benefits. Before we get started, let’s first gain a better understanding of what olive oil is.

What is Olive Oil?
Simply put, olive oil is the natural extract that comes from olives. To obtain this extract, olives can be processed a number of different ways, which also determines whether the final product is considered refined or unrefined.

Unrefined olive oil, also known as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is the least processed. This allows the olive oil to retain the majority of its vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, giving the final product a darker appearance and more robust flavor profiles.

Refined olive oil is processed to a higher degree and can even be blended with a variety of other oils from different regions to get the final product. The extra processing removes many of the beneficial properties from the oil, resulting in a lighter appearance and little to no flavor.

While both forms of olive oil are considered healthy for you, extra virgin olive oil carries the most benefits, which is why at D’Olivo, we pride ourselves on carrying the highest quality ultra-premium EVOOs.

5 Health Benefits of Olive Oil
1. High Concentration of Antioxidants
These well known substances have long been loved for their free radical fighting properties. Antioxidants work by preventing the oxidation of cells and helping with blood cholesterol, both of which are leading heart disease risk factors.

Outside of benefiting overall heart health, antioxidants have also been shown to help with the prevention of other diseases as well. Though more research still needs to be conducted, the results have led researchers to believe that olive oil may help with atherosclerosis or even cancer thanks to the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of olive oil.

2. Weight Loss Aid
Many of the existing weight loss programs encourage participants to shy away from foods that are high in fat. Not only is this train of thought untrue, but olive oil has actually been shown to help with weight loss in controlled study groups. Over the course of a 3-year study, the participants consumed a diet rich in virgin olive oil and enjoyed a number of benefits, decreased weight gain being one of them.

To aid with your weight loss efforts, consider incorporating extra virgin olive oil into your diet routine. Of all the macronutrients, fats contain the highest number of calories per gram and also digest the slowest. These two factors can help you feel full for a longer period of time, reducing cravings for snacks and junk food.

3. Monounsaturated Fats & Inflammation
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fat which has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. Though inflammation is a natural response, when the body experiences chronic inflammation, studies have shown that it becomes more susceptible to developing a range of different diseases.

Additionally, the high levels of oleic acid present in olive oil may have beneficial effects on cancer causing genes. Further studies have looked into its role relating to breast cancer specifically, showing promising results.

4. Cancer Fighting Properties
As one of the leading causes of death in the world, some of the best precautionary measures you can take to prevent cancer are dietary. Inhabitants of the Mediterranean region are found to have lower incidences of certain cancers, which researchers believe could be related to the high intake of olive oil in their diets.

The antioxidants present in olive oil not only help to prevent inflammation, but they also reduce cellular proliferation, which is believed to be one of the leading causes of cancer. Furthermore, in non-human studies, evidence continues to mount, showing that olive oil can actually help fight cancer cells.

5. Hair & Skin Health
We’ve talked a lot about the health benefits of olive oil for the body internally, but what about externally? Aside from being used for cooking and dietary purposes, olive oil can also be found in many cosmetic products for your hair and skin.

The high fat content and beneficial compounds that are present in olive oil are great for keeping your skin and hair moisturized. To do so, consider using some as a conditioner to strengthen your hair while keeping it soft and easy to manage. One study has also found that you can also use it directly on the skin to keep it nourished and rich with antioxidants.

Rather than backing this claim up with another scientific study, try it out for yourself with our exclusive line of olive oil based skin care products and see why so many of our customers use them to look their best.

Final Words
Though we’ve only just scratched the surface of olive oil health benefits, hopefully this article helps to shed some light on the power of this common, natural kitchen product. While there’s still plenty of research to be done on olive oil, many studies are continuing to discover the extent of its holistic properties every year.

At D’Olivo, we understand just how healthy and delicious olive oil can be, which is why we’ve made it our mission to share it with as many people as we can. Browse through our extensive line of ultra premium extra virgin olive oils and skin care products to begin incorporating this powerful oil into your daily routine and living a healthier lifestyle.