Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils for our body. But when we talk about olive oil, the context is mostly of extra virgin olive oil, which Is the most popular and readily available variant. However, there is another variety which is equally rich in terms of nutrition and that is olive pomace oil.
Olive pomace oil, a versatile variant of the beloved olive oil, holds untapped potential in terms of health benefits. A recent research suggests that olive pomace oil could be a valuable addition to your kitchen. In this article, Dietitian Shreya, Clinical Nutritionist (Additionally a Nutrition Consultant to Modi Naturals) shared five reasons why you should consider incorporating olive pomace oil into your culinary repertoire.
Why is olive pomace oil a must in your diet?
Here are some potential health benefits that make this olive oil variant a boon for holistic health:
Rich in Antioxidants: Olive pomace oil contains a variety of powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants is deemed to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers. The presence of antioxidants in olive pomace oil provides hope for its possible health benefits.
Also Read: Dangers Of Using Olive Oil In Summer
Heart-Healthy Properties: Incorporating olive pomace oil in your diet has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Its monounsaturated fat content, combined with the presence of antioxidants, could contribute to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting overall heart function.
High Smoke Point: With its high smoke point, olive pomace oil is suitable for various cooking methods, including sautéing, stir-frying, and deep-frying. Its high smoke point ensures that the nutritional content of cooked food remains intact. Versatile Culinary Applications: Olive pomace oil's neutral flavour and affordability make it a versatile choice for various culinary applications such as - sauteing, roasting, grilling, and deep-frying, Olive pomace oil adds a subtle richness to dishes without overpowering other flavours. Its neutral taste allows the natural essence of ingredients to shine through, making it suitable for both savoury and sweet creations.
Also Read: Coconut Oil Vs Olive Oil: Know Which One Is A Healthier Option
Healthy, Economical, and Sustainable: Olive pomace oil has low absorption and spreads evenly while cooking, hence requiring moderate quantities of oil to be used while cooking - which in turn, makes it not only a very healthy oil but also a resourceful and affordable oil.
How To Consume?
- You can use pomace oil as a cooking oil but take care of its heating point(Do not overheat olive pomace oil)
- Use this as a dressing for salads to enhance the flavour
- Use as a replacement for butter
- Add to homemade dressings and condiments like hummus
To sum it up, olive pomace oil, with its antioxidant content, heart-healthy properties, high smoke point, versatility, and economic advantages, is a dark horse in the edible oil category, especially for Indian cooking. As we continue to explore its potential, it is important to maintain a balanced approach to dietary choices, considering individual needs and preferences. Embrace the possibilities that olive pomace oil offers and embark on a flavourful journey that combines health and gastronomic delight.