Webber Naturals Investigates: Is Olive Oil Toxic?

Webber Naturals Puts Olive Oil Rumours to Rest

As I was blog browsing, I found a post that mentioned a shocking statement about olive oil: it was potentially toxic. How could this delicious ingredient be toxic?! On one hand, people rave about the health benefits of olive oil. On the other, polar opposite hand, some people say it's toxic to use for cooking. So which one is it?

Cooking with olive oil: healthy or toxic?!

I think it's safe to assume that olive oil is not a life-threatening food! I have yet to hear anything in the news about death by olive oil! However, there are concerns over cooking with olive oil and it all has to do with 'smoke point.' When cooking in high heat with olive oil, you reach the 'smoke point' when it literally begins to smoke.

At this point, the olive oil is being burnt and experiencing decomposition; a chemical reaction is taking place that changes the composition of the molecules that makup olive oil. This decomposition ruins the flavour and reduces the beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, replacing them with the not so nutritious molecules, free radicals.

Inhaling smoke is never a good idea as well. If your olive oil is smoking, it's not too far away from its 'flash point': it could ignite! Playing with fire? Definite hazard. Unexpected cooking fires in the pan instead of under it? I think we know the answer to this one: health hazard.

Olive oil is full of good things like Omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins E and other antioxidants. Treat your olive oil well, my friends, and don't be afraid to cook with it. Maybe, avoid experimenting with its smoke point and then eating it right after! For very high heat cooking, try using canola, safflower, sesame, coconut or even avocado oil instead.

Now I really feel like eating bread with olive oil and salt! Spanish style...

Click for more information on olive oil and cooking oils and information on smoke points.

Image source: Life 123