Difference Between Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Olive Oil

Olive oil is healthy for both cooking and skin and hair care. Extra virgin olive oil, which is a less refined form, is both the most flavorful and the best for your health. It's a monounsaturated fat, one that helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) in your blood, says MayoClinic.com. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Process

Olive oil is made by crushing olives, then pressing them to extract the oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the oil extracted only from the first press. It is considered unadulterated and possesses a richer flavor than the chemically processed regular olive oil.

Benefits

Replacing other fats in your diet with olive oil may help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes. With its minimal processing, virgin olive oil has more heart healthy polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants, according to MayoClinic.com.

Expert Insight

World's Healthiest Food reports that "virgin olive oil provides significantly greater protection against free radical damage to LDL cholesterol--one of the first steps in the initiation of atherosclerosis."

Considerations

Olive oil that is labeled "cold pressed" means that as little heating as possible was used during the press. Cold pressing preserves vital nutrients in the oil, making it a healthier choice.

Tips

Choose extra virgin olive oil in a dark glass bottle for longer shelf life.