Olive Oils Explained

Olives and their oil are some of the oldest foods around today. Cultivation of the olive has been traced back as far as 5000 BC. It really is quite surprising, considering it has been around for so long, that many people are still only just discovering it. Not only is it delicious but being loaded with essential fatty acids and high in antioxidants, it is also incredibly healthy. Below is an explanation of some of the common types of olive oil and terms used to describe them.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Is the oil obtained from the first pressing of the olives. It is usually greener than other olive oils, and has very low acidity (it may not exceed .8%). It is ideal for use in dressings, dips and marinades.

Virgin Olive Oil: Is also obtained from the first pressing of the olives, although is slightly higher in acidity (it may not exceed 2.0%). It is very good oil but just not good enough to be designated extra virgin.

Olive Oil: Often consists of a blend of refined oil and virgin oil. The virgin oil gives it the flavour that the heat treated and refined oil lacks. A good all around oil, better suited to cooking as it has a slightly higher burning point than the virgins.

Light Olive Oil: Is refined oil obtained from the latter pressings. Each subsequent press of the olives, results in lighter and less flavourful oil. The term 'light' refers only to the colour and flavour and not the caloric content. It is again suitable for frying or saut'ing.

Pomace Olive Oil: Is oil obtained from the left over flesh and pits after being pressed. To release the remaining oil out of this (pomace) it is often treated with solvents and heat. The resulting oils are then refined to be fit for human consumption; because of this refining it can lack flavour. It is suitable for frying as it has quite a high burning point, but personally I hesitate to use it.

Early Harvest: Simply refers to the fact that the fruit was picked slightly under ripe. The under ripeness of the olive results in a sought after oil that is slightly bitter, peppery and very green. The smaller olives yield less oil and as such Early Harvest oils often sell for more.

Late Harvest: Is oil obtained from fully mature olives and results in a smooth oil that may be described as sweetish and fruity.

Cold Pressed: Refers to the fact that the olives were pressed without the use of heat. Olives that are pressed when heated yield more oil but the heat can destroy some of the delicate flavours that are retained when cold pressed.

Oatmeal Has Great Benefits To Cholesterol Watchers And Weight Watchers.

The Roll of Oatmeal (Porridge) in a Healthy Diet Oatmeal, or porridge if you live outside the US or Canada, play a major role in our modern diet yet few seem to know the true health benefits it gives. Oatmeal provides two of the required three daily servings of whole grains required in a healthy and balanced diet and this alone should help convince you to use it. However there is an added bonus because oatmeal (porridge) is the only whole grain recognized by the US FDA to help reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Can’t you imagine all the Scots jumping in the air, waving their Sporrans in glee telling the world: “We told you so!!!” (Sorry I can’t type in a Scottish accent.) There is also a school of thought that claims that by eating filling foods in the morning you actually suppress appetite later in the day and this makes oatmeal an ideal breakfast for weight-watchers. Research clearly indicates: People who eat breakfast, like a bowl of oatmeal for instance, tend to weigh less than those who skip it. Adults that eat cereals, cooked or cold, have a lower body mass index than those who eat a combinations of meat and eggs, or those who skip breakfast altogether. On the subject of healthy eating and weight control - don’t forget that you need seven daily servings minimum of fruit and vegetables to maintain health. Again this is also good advice to weight watchers. The biggest problem you are likely to face if you are trying to lose weight is serving sizes. I’ve lost count of the number of weight watchers who have told me that they follow a strict diet regime but never seem to lose weight, then they serve themselves at least double recommended serving sizes. Hey it doesn’t work that way. Serving sizes are the biggest problem that most weight watchers must contend with and when they come to terms with serving sizes they not only start losing weight they keep it off too. Quaker has recently introduced Weight Control instant oatmeal, no doubt there are equivalents in all parts of the world and you can get some good tips at www.weightcontrol.quakeroatmeal.com You can also find a free weight control program at: http://www.recipesmania.com/weightlossprogram.html Sometimes all it takes is a change in your daily habits to regain health. This article is © Copyright David McCarthy 2005. It may only be reproduced in its entirety.

Petals For Your Tea

I'm sure you've heard about green teas. And you've probably have had your share of iced teas. But have you tried flower teas? Never? With the mad rush to drink green tea as recommended by every fitness and healthy living nut, it's no wonder that flower teas and its benefits are paid little attention. Let me clue you in about flower teas. Flower teas are mainly of Chinese origin. They are essentially green teas (like the ones advocated for fitness and healthy living) scented and enriched with flower oils. Jasmine blossoms are the flowers usually used for flower teas. The flowers bloom nightly and they are put in an area that is quite cool until nightfall. Just before they bloom, they are placed on heaps of dried and heated leaves of good-quality green tea. As a result, the leaves take on and absorb fragrant oils from the flowers. When the flowers and leaves heat up again, they are re-arranged for the next cycle of scenting. Ordinary flower teas are scented for only 2 or 3 times while special teas are scented for up to 7 times. For fitness and healthy living, flower teas are highly prescribed by Asian medicine. Because in addition to green tea benefits, flower teas also have benefits from flowers. In particular, jasmine tea is especially good for anti-aging, digestive problems, and as an anti-bacterial drink. First, it improves the body's defense system against diseases by boosting body immunity. Second, flower teas also raises the body's chances against cancers and heart ailments. Studies have shown that flower teas actually prevent bad cholesterol absorption by keeping the walls of blood vessels from rigidity. It also prevents mutation of cells which causes cancer. Third, it stimulates the circulatory system and heart which ensures steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body. Flower teas' effects are not exclusive to the internal body system. These teas also prevents oral problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath. Researches show that flower teas contain flouride and tannin which improves tooth enamel. Fitness and healthy living are also judged based on healthy skin and youthfulness. Flower teas also benefit the skin by flushing toxins from the body out. Also, the flouride in it promotes better bones for good posture. Improvement of body functions also aids in preserving the body's youthful appearance. Lastly, as flower teas are aromatic, they are also good for aromatherapy. It relaxes and soothes the senses resulting in a better sense of well-being which is essential for fitness and healthy living. Why not toss that coffee and treat yourself to a relaxing flower tea experience.