Differences to Make You Swap Vegetable Oil for Olive Oil

Oil is something that’s just so essential in so many dishes, no matter the cooking preparation or style that it takes. This is often why questions arise about what type of oil you should be using and consuming during your day-to-day meals, as some have been linked to certain health concerns.

Vegetable oil is one of the most commonly used oils in the kitchen, especially when it comes to baking and frying. Many revere it for its simplicity and simultaneous versatility when being utilized. However, vegetable oil has been linked to heart attacks before. Research shows that the inflammation that can cause those attacks is due to the over-oxidation in the heated oils.

If you’re searching for an alternative that’s roughly the same without the problems and a few more perks in between, worry no more. Olive oil, a fluid derived from olive fruits, offers a variety of advantages to the consumer.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making the switch between the two oils:

 

Processing

Even oils undergo food processing in hopes of purifying them. However, some purification methods include bleaching with acid or alkali to neutralize them. Vegetable oil undergoes so much processing to the point where it can be difficult to narrow down its exact origin.

Meanwhile, olive oil is somewhat more natural. Virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil involve minimal to almost no processing, so it stays true to its form after harvesting and producing. This is good as olive oil has a good dose of polyphenols or antioxidants.

 

Flavor

Olive oil is revered among many different oils because of how it can improve the flavor profile of the dish that they’re working with. Chefs and cooking experts describe extra virgin olive oil to offer a richer taste compared to vegetable oil.

There’s also a pleasing aroma in conjunction with the taste difference. Vegetable oil has no aroma to it, but olive oil has a more distinct scent that accompanies it. Olive oil’s smell can depend on its variation, but it is usually similar to fresh fruits.

 

Purpose

Olive oil and vegetable oil are somewhat similar in versatility, especially when it comes to heating temperatures. Vegetable oil can stand to go to higher temperature cooking like deep frying, but olive oil just comes close with a nice medium temperature.

Olive oil is slightly more irreplaceable because of its uniqueness in taste, though. Olive oil is the recommended additive to things such as salad dressing and marinades due to the flavor that it can provide. When it comes to regular frying, olive oil is also the better option.

 

Health Benefits

As mentioned before, vegetable oil has been linked to cardiac arrest in the past. Olive oil has alternatively been connected to improving heart health. This is because of the fewer fats that olive oil has to provide, making it much more anti-inflammatory and better for the heart.

Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is also known for its anti-oxidants, vitamin K, and vitamin E. These different compounds are known to help your body fight off chronic diseases and strengthen cells.

 

Conclusion

Learning more about how much of an upgrade olive oil can be from vegetable oil and the like can be quite enlightening. If you’re hoping to get an oil that might be better for your heart and your dish, swap out the old for some olive oil.

Looking for the best olive oil? The Olive Bar in Downtown Campbell, CA is available for a free tasting and experience of our best olive oils. Visit and put in an order today!