Extra-virgin benefits

Upgrading to extra-virgin olive oil, which is processed without high heat or chemical solvents, could be worth the extra cost.

Evidence reveals this premium oil protects the potentially beneficial chemicals in the oil called phenols. The trio of oleuropein, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol is thought to protect against coronary artery disease and have antimicrobial and antiviral effects. Olive oil loses these beneficial ingredients when highly processed, and other plant-based oils lack them in the first place.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, March 2018