Olive oils: discover myths and truths about the product

With the increase in the consumption of olive oils, there has been a lot of misinformation about the product.

Olive oils are consumed all over the world. In Brazil, this is no different. Because it brings numerous health benefits, this product is found on the shelves of supermarkets, restaurants and, of course, in consumers' homes.

At the same time that consumption has grown in recent years, information has emerged with the aim of helping people learn about the world of olive oils.

However, content that shares incorrect knowledge about olive oils is also widely found on the internet.

If you want to know the myths and truths about “liquid gold”, continue reading this article that helps clarify the main information about one of the most used oils worldwide. Check out!

Myths and Truths about olive oil

Gathering real information about olive oils is essential to buy the right product that has all the benefits, such as vitamins and antioxidants.

Below, discover some myths and truths about olive oil.

Olive oil can be consumed whenever

True. It is the most beneficial fat for health, as it helps prevent cardiovascular diseases , diabetes, obesity, among others.

However, it is necessary to have a balanced, healthy diet adapted to each person's nutritional needs.

Choose olive oils packaged in dark packaging

True. It is essential that, when purchasing olive oil, the consumer chooses a product packaged in dark glass bottles. This protects the liquid from sunlight and also artificial light.

This way, the product does not lose its beneficial qualities for health. Furthermore, glass bottles do not release or retain substances from the olive oil.

Low acidity olive oil is best

Myth. Acidity alone does not indicate that the oil is better or of good quality. All extra virgin olive oil has low acidity (up to 0.8% acidity), but not all olive oil that has low acidity is truly extra virgin.

It is necessary to consume fresh olive oil

True. Olive oil should be consumed fresh. This allows people to take advantage of all the beneficial properties found in the liquid.

The product may lose its characteristics over time due to poor storage, oxidation, among other factors. Therefore, after opening the bottle, use the olive oil within 60 days and choose products from reliable sources, always tasting the pure olive oil and feeling whether its aromas and flavors are fresh.

Olive oil cannot be heated

Myth. Olive oil can be used to heat or even fry food. The better the olive oil, the tastier and healthier your meal will be.

Olive oils have an expiration date

True. Just like any product, olive oil has an expiration date, but it does not spoil, it just oxidizes. The time may vary, however, in general, the consumption of the liquid cannot exceed 2 years, if well produced and stored well. The time to consume it is directly linked to the quality of that oil.

Olive oils don't go well with sweet recipes

Myth. In fact, this is one of the biggest myths that exist about olive oil.

The oil has been used in cake and sweet recipes for years, mainly in factories in Europe and the United States. The union between the flavor of olive oil and the sweetness, for example, of chocolate, results in a unique sensorial experience.

And you can try it too! Access our chocolate ganache recipe with olive oil and do it at home!

Olive oil helps you lose weight

True. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in compounds that are good for your health and helps the brain understand when there is a feeling of satiety.

This helps people reduce their food intake, which consequently facilitates weight loss. But the results are real when there is a healthy and balanced diet.

The best olive oil is imported

Myth. Although it is easier to find imported olive oils, it is not always the best choice.

Imported olive oils often do not bring all the freshness necessary for a quality product. This happens because the harvest is almost never from the current year, unlike national olive oil.

Furthermore, the time between harvesting and arrival on the Brazilian supermarket shelf is long, meaning that its healthy characteristics are lost during the journey.

Learn more about why imported olive oils may not be good choices for consumers in this article .

Olive oils spoil in light

True. One of the biggest reasons that olive oils are packaged in dark glass is to protect them from light. When in contact with light, whether solar or artificial, olive oil tends to oxidize and lose nutrients essential to people's health.

To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to avoid exposure to the sun and Store it in airy, cool places and out of reach of light.

Brazil does not produce olive oil

Myth. This is one of the main myths about olive oils. It is more common to find production in Europe, where the climate is suitable for its cultivation.

However, in some places in Brazil, the climate is equivalent to that of the Mediterranean, the birthplace of global olive farming, making it possible to produce quality olive oil. As is the case with Lagar H olive oils, produced in Cachoeira do Sul.

Lagar H olive oils

Lagar H produces 100% Brazilian extra virgin olive oil. Olive trees are cultivated and transformed into quality oils with transparency and unique flavors. Discover Lagar H products on the website and order yours!