For the Health Conscious…

…here are the ways in which olive oil scores over other cooking oils.

• It is rich in monounsaturated fat, which helps reduce the cholesterol and control cardiovascular diseases.
• Olive oil is filled with flavour, so you don't need to add extra flavouring. This reduces the calories and total fat content of the dish prepared.
• A tablespoon of olive oil contains 1.6 mg of vitamin E, which is 8% of the recommended daily allowance.
• Olive oil has a high smoke point and doesn't degrade as quickly as other oils do on repeated heating.
• Unlike other cooking oils, it is easy to digest, even after being re-heated and re-used.

Olive oil is especially good if you have a sensitive stomach. In fact, it has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis.

Recent research studies have revealed that olive oil also reduces the possibility of cancer.

Too Much of a Good Thing

No matter how many health benefits olive oil may have, it still has a high source of calories. While cooking, the recommended amount is just a couple of tablespoons depending on the quantity you are cooking.

Use about 1-2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil in your salad dressings.

So, even though you have to spend a few extra bucks on a bottle of olive oil, go ahead and add it to your shopping list... and get a jump start to good health!

(With inputs from Dr. Anjali Mukerjee of Health Total)