4 Amazing Health Benefits Of Pomace Olive Oil

Olive oil is touted as one of the healthiest oils for dietary intake. While you must have commonly heard the reference to extra virgin olive oil, we introduce you to pomace olive oil benefits in this article.

Olive oil is widely used in Mediterranean cuisines. However, do you know that olive oil comes in various forms, tastes, colors, and acidity levels? Yes, not all olive oil types are processed and manufactured the same. Pomace olive oil or olive pomace oil is largely refined in its processing by using solvent extraction and hexane is used for this extraction. It is comparatively cheaper and is referred to as low-grade olive oil (the oil obtained from the leftover olive flesh and pulp after making the first press for extra virgin olive oil). The solvent-expel process is similar to canola or soybean oil. However, that does not take away from its intrinsic beneficial properties. It is as good as the most popularly used extra virgin olive oil and has the same nutrient composition. To help you make the right choice, we have listed the pomace olive oil benefits in detail. Read on to know more.

Health Benefits Of Pomace Olive Oil

Pomace olive oil is healthier than other edible oils available on the market today, making it a great alternative when considering olive oil vs. vegetable oil. It offers several health benefits that are discussed below:

1. Benefits The Skin

Using pomace oil as massaging oil may give you healthy and smooth skin. Pomace olive oil is used in several massages as a substitute for extra virgin olive oil as it contains almost similar composition but is a lot cheaper. Pomace olive oil is especially helpful if you have dry skin. Olive and its products help nourish and treat the dry skin more effectively (1). Using a little bit of pomace olive oil during your bath may help rejuvenate your skin.

2. Beneficial For Hair

Pomace olive oil can also be used to treat hair loss and dry scalp. The best way of using olive oil is to heat it a little and directly apply it to the scalp. It is rich in antioxidants (2). These antioxidants may help nourish the damaged scalp and reduce hair fall. Offering a natural shine, it treats hair loss. You can even add pomace olive oil to your conditioner. Adding olive oil to your conditioner will help to increase its goodness and will act as a booster for the dry scalp.

3. Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Pomace olive oil contains almost 80% monounsaturated fatⁱ  A healthy dietary fat obtained from plant sources (like oils). , which helps to reduce cholesterol level in the body. The mono-unsaturated fat helps you to decrease the cholesterol levels, which affects the functioning of the heart. Cholesterol blocks the major arteries, which carry blood in and out of the heart, increasing the burden on the heart. Regular consumption of pomace oil can keep the arteries clear and allow blood to flow properly (3). Experts also say oleic acidⁱ  An unsaturated fatty acid occurring naturally in vegetable fats and oil. in it promotes dilation of blood vessels to decrease blood pressure. Hence, pomace olive oil may protect against heart disease and might be good for your heart health

According to a study that examined the data of 60,582 women and 31,801 men in the United States, it was observed that a higher intake of olive oil was linked to a 19% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, a 17% decreased risk of cancer mortality, a 29% lower risk of neurodegenerative disease mortality, and an 18% lower risk of respiratory disease mortality. When analyzing the substitution of 10g/d of common dietary fats like margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil, an 8-34% lower risk of overall mortality as well as cause-specific mortality was reported. Thus, you may expect similar results with pomace olive oil as well.

4. Best For Cooking

Pomace olive oil is light and neutral when compared to the various vegetable oils available in the market. Cooking in pomace olive oil is a healthy alternative (4). Pomace olive oil needs a high temperature to burn, making it the best option when it comes to deep-frying. It contains elements like squaleneⁱ  A naturally occurring liquid hydrocarbon in plants and animals. and β-sitosterolⁱ  A type of phytosterol (similar to cholesterol) found in plants, nuts, and seeds. , preventing pomace olive oil from altering its composition at high temperatures. Other refined cooking (sunflower oil) contains linoleic acid, which destroys the oil at high temperatures. Another amazing property of this olive oil, in fact, all forms of olive oil, is that it spreads. A little bit of pomace olive oil is sufficient for cooking. Olive oil is used as the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet for optimum nutrition and weight loss.

Pomace olive oil is a very effective and cheaper alternative to extra virgin olive oil. The oil consists of various nutrients, which help the body stay healthy and fit. It is also rich in natural antioxidant Vitamin E and other polyphenols that support the immune system, and Vitamin K, which improves bone density. Studies indicate that the extra virgin olive oil may help increase the longevity of your brain, help in slowing down neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, boost digestion, and support cancer prevention (2), (6), (7)

All of these pomace olive oil benefits come from its rich nutritional profile. Let us take a look at it in the next section.

Nutritional Information Of Pomace Olive Oil

• 100 ml of pomace olive oil contains (8):
• Energy: 800 kcal
• Total Fats: 93.3 g
• Saturated Fatty acids: 13.3 g
• Monosaturated Fatty Acids: 66.7 g
• Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: 13.3 g

The above information shows that pomace olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats. Out of these fats, 74.32% is oleic acid, 10.78% is palmitic acid, and 9.02% is linoleic acid. The oil is also rich in vitamin E (9).

Despite its competitive benefits, pomace olive oil may have some demerits. Learn more in the section below.

Disadvantages Of Using Pomace Olive Oil

Although pomace olive oil is an accessible alternative to virgin olive oil, here is a list of disadvantages that may influence individual preferences:

• It is considered to be of a lower quality compared to other versions of olive oil.
• Its extraction process may involve chemical solvents that may impact its antioxidant value.
• It has a more neutral flavor compared to the rich, fruity taste of higher-quality olive oils.
• It may lead to an upset stomach as it may be harder to digest when compared to other olive oils.
• Vendors may exploit its easy availability, and this can lead to a lack of transparency and credibility in market labeling.

Both pomace olive oil and extra virgin olive oil are derived from olives. However, they differ significantly in their quality, flavor, and processing. Let us compare them in the next section.

Pomace Olive Oil Vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first cold pressing of olives. It is not refined and undergoes no chemical treatment, which ensures it retains its antioxidants and nutrients. The oil also has a rich, fruity flavor and is ideal for dressings, drizzling, and cooking at lower temperatures.

Pomace olive oil is extracted from the leftover olive pulp after its first pressing. The oil also undergoes a refining process that includes heat and chemical treatments. It strips away many of the beneficial antioxidants from it. The oil is suitable for frying and baking.

Do you use olive oil in your kitchen? What kind of olive oil do you use? Share with us in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: olive oil or pomace olive oil?

Pomace olive oil is better than olive oil as it has high heat tolerance and doesn’t lose any nutrients upon heating. It is considered ideal for cooking.

Is pomace olive oil good for the liver?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that pomace olive oil is good for the liver. However, limited studies are available in this regard.

Is pomace olive oil good for diabetes?

Pomace olive oil is good for diabetes. It can improve fasting blood glucose levels and lipid profiles (5).

Illustration: Amazing Health Benefits Of Pomace Olive Oil

Olive pomace oil is a cooking oil made from the pulp of olives. It is a healthier alternative to other cooking oils, with a mild flavor and high smoke point. Watch this video to know more!

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