Готвенето със зехтин екстра върджин /маслиново масло/ е не само лесно и вкусно, но и изключително полезно за здравето. Зехтинът е основен компонент на средиземноморската диета, известна със своите ползи за дълголетието и общото благосъстояние. Ето пет невероятни причини защо трябва да го използвате в ежедневното си готвене:

1. Rich in Healthy Fats and Stable for Cooking

Olive oil is exceptionally rich in monounsaturated fats, which are not only good for your heart health but also resistant to oxidation during cooking. These fats help reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL cholesterol. Additionally, olive oil produces fewer harmful oxidation byproducts compared to other vegetable oils when cooking at moderate temperatures. This helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and supports long-term heart health. For this reason, olive oil is often recommended as part of a healthy diet.

2. Contains a Wide Range of Antioxidants

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols like hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, and oleocanthal, as well as vitamin E, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can harm cells in the body, leading to inflammation and chronic diseases. Vitamin E also helps increase the resistance of fatty acids to oxidation. Regular use of olive oil in cooking can help strengthen the immune system and slow down the aging process.

3. Supports Digestion and Fights Infections

Olive oil stimulates the secretion of bile and digestive enzymes, which aids in the breakdown of nutrients. This means that using olive oil in cooking can improve the absorption of nutrients, especially fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Moreover, olive oil has antibacterial properties that help fight pathogens like Helicobacter pylori, which can cause stomach infections. Olive oil also supports gut health and can promote regular bowel movements.

4. Stable at Moderate Cooking Temperature

Много хора избягват да готвят със зехтин, страхувайки се, че топлината ще унищожи полезните му съставки. Истината е, че зехтинът е устойчив на умерена температура /около 160-190°C/ и е подходящ за леко сотиране, печене и готвене на ниска температура. Точката на димене на зехтина /около 207°C/ е достатъчно висока, за да позволи безопасно готвене, като същевременно запазва полезните му свойства. По този начин можете да се наслаждавате на здравословен начин на готвене, без да компрометирате вкуса и хранителните стойности.

5. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight and Improves Metabolic Health

Olive oil can help control appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which aids in managing calorie intake. Studies show that healthy fats, like those in olive oil, can promote satiety and prevent excessive snacking between main meals. Additionally, olive oil can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress after meals, contributing to better metabolic health and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The Mediterranean diet, which places olive oil at its core, is often associated with a lower risk of obesity and a healthier weight.

In a Nutshell

Cooking with olive oil not only enriches the taste of your dishes but also provides numerous health benefits. Rich in healthy fats, and antioxidants, and with several advantages for digestion and weight management, olive oil is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate APOS extra virgin olive oil into your daily life and enjoy its flavor and health benefits. Bring the authentic Greek taste to your home and make the most of its incredible health properties.