Olive oil is made of mostly monounsaturated fats, which are resistant to moderate heat.
It also has a fairly high smoke point, making it a good choice for many cooking methods, including roasting, grilling, baking, and sautéing.
For most recipes, you can easily swap an equal amount of extra virgin olive oil in for other types of oils, including vegetable oil, coconut oil, or canola oil.
However, keep in mind that extra virgin olive oil often has a distinct taste and aroma, so it may slightly alter the flavor of your final product.
Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a great addition to a nutritious diet.
It has also been linked to a long list of benefits and may protect against inflammation, heart disease, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Several studies have found that diets enriched with olive oil may be beneficial for weight management and could even help reduce body fat.
Still, although olive oil may help promote weight control, it’s important to keep in mind that oil is high in calories.
For this reason, it’s best to swap it in for other fats in your diet and keep your intake in moderation to maximize the potential benefits.
Olive oil is often used as a natural skincare product. It can be applied directly to the face, either alone or combined with other ingredients like honey or egg yolks.
In addition to moisturizing your skin, some research suggests that olive oil could reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, and slow skin aging.
However, be sure to wipe off any excess oil to prevent blocked pores, and always do a patch test before applying anything directly to your face.