You may have heard that Italian olive oil is preferred by some cooks and chefs and that it is a superior choice for certain uses above the other cooking oil alternatives. There are many reasons why Italian olive oil is so highly regarded. Aside from cooking, olive oil also many other beneficial uses for applications such as cosmetics, facial treatments, medicine and many other things. Discover the benefits and many uses of Italian olive oil to find out why you should start using it.

Olive oil has been used for centuries in the Mediterranean countries, most notably in Italy where olive tress are abundant. Italian olive oil has a long history and is the primary cooking oil used by Italians and others in the Mediterranean region. The oil is used for cooking and also as a base for salad dressings and is commonly added to cold dishes for added flavor and consistency.

Italian olive oil has since spread to the rest of the world and is a favorite among chefs due to the distinct flavor of olive oil as well as its unique health properties. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and has beneficial effects on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Studies regularly reveal new insights and health benefits attributed to olive oil including decreases in blood pressure, reduction for the risk of heart disease and effects such as those found in acetaminophen.

While the extra virgin olive oils are less ideal for frying, the more refined Italian olive oils can work just as well as other cooking oils for deep frying purposes. Olive oil has a lower smoke point than most other cooking oil alternatives, and it can burn easier, reducing its unique flavors, but there are certain varieties of olive oil that can meet any cooking demands. Finding your favorite brand and variety of olive oil depends on your personal taste and cooking needs.

Aside from cooking, Italian olive oil is also a popular skin moisturizer. Olive oils penetrate the skin deeply to soften and moisturize even the driest skin in the wintertime. Studies have shown that olive oil may have a beneficial effect on skin after being exposed to high levels of UV rays, thus perhaps helping to prevent skin cancers and tumors from developing.

The many uses of olive oil abound, and investing in some can cut costs both in the kitchen and in the bathroom for your skin car needs. Discover the many benefits of olive oil and start cooking like a professional. You can improve your health and well-being by switching to olive oil.