Does Olive Oil Need To Be Organic?

There has been a long debate about the type of foods you should consume for a healthier diet and lifestyle. This ongoing debate also includes olive oil. Does olive oil need to be organic?

Olive oil has been recognized as a healthier source of fats compared to conventional vegetable oils, margarine, and butter. It is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which vegetable oils either lack or do not have in the same quantity.

However, this discourse had spread to the types of olive oils. Are organic olive oils better or inorganic ones? Are there any real benefits to organic olive oil which would make it a superior choice? Let’s discuss!

What is Organic Olive Oil? How is it made?

Organic olive oil is made using exclusively organic processes. By organic processes, we mean using simple, natural methods. This refers to both how the olive oil is produced as well as how the olives are grown.

To be considered organic olive oil, the olives should be verified by an accredited certifying agency. The olives are grown without using any chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or other agents. Only organic natural fertilizers such as vegetable compost or animal manure may be used.

This may be surprising to some, but the olive plant can grow really well without any chemical or pesticide intervention. Their fruit carries a relatively higher level of polyphenol, which protects the plant against a broad spectrum of insects, eliminating the need for pesticides.

However, to ensure that the growers aren’t actually using any chemical intervention, they should be certified by an accredited organic certifying agency.

Is Organic Olive Oil any different than Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

This brings us to our next question, is organic olive oil different from Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)?

Simply put, no, they aren’t all that different. This is because organic olive oils are generally made through the same process as EVOOs. In short, most organic olive oils are EVOOs.

They both are produced by cold pressing the olives to get rich, unrefined olive juices (oil). However, they differ slightly in the type of olives used for their production. EVOO may or may not use organic olives, but organic olive oil specifically demand organic olives.

What is Inorganic Olive Oil?

Now let’s discuss inorganic olive oil. To start, this oil does not use organic olives; instead, the growers use pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals for productive yield every year.

Such olives undergo refinement through grinding, and chemical means to extract the oil. Unlike organic olive oils, they also use treatments under heat and steam. The regular olive oil you find in most markets is a blend of cold processed and these processed olive oils.

Which Is Better?

Now that you know the basic differences between both types of olive oils, which is better?

Organic olive oil is the preferred choice, especially if you want a healthier choice of fatty acids. Organic olive oils are not as processed and have a fresher, more pleasant taste, flavor, and aroma. This not only makes them great for your health but also makes your meals more delectable.

However, organic olive oils are much pricier than inorganic olive oils. This is because the process of making organic olive oils is more costly; you will need a large number of olives to produce the oil.

Moreover, to get accredited by an organic certifying agency, you must maintain production standards, including growing, handling, extraction, packaging, and storage. This, combined with the retail demand, increases their price.

This also means that organic olive oils are of a much higher standard than regular inorganic olive oils, making them the superior choice.

Benefits of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To better understand why organic olive oils (in particular, organic EVOO) are considered better, see the many benefits associated with Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

1.) Quality Certified

One of the benefits of using organic olive oils is that they are certified by an accredited organic certifying agency. The Californian Olive Oil Council (COOC) provides this grade certification in the US.

The COOC seal will confirm that the EVOO has been made using strict requirements and meets the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Standards. Look for the seal on the EVOO you purchase and enjoy high-quality, pure olive oil.

2.) Enviornmentally Friendly

Organic olive oils are made from organically grown olives. Avoiding chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other agents makes such cooking oils much more environmentally friendly.

There is little to no pollution or adverse effects on the soil and biodiversity of the land compared to traditional agricultural practices.

3.) High Levels of Antioxidants

Avoiding inorganic olive oils means you will also be avoiding any unhealthy chemical agents entering your body. In fact, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a much healthier chemical makeup as it is filled with plenty of antioxidants.

These antioxidants help prevent blood cholesterol, regulate inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease. Antioxidants also act as the oil’s natural preservatives, giving it longer shelf life.

4.) Weight Regulating

Organic olive oils are mainly filled with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which help reduce belly fat and therefore support your weight loss goals. Studies confirm that using monounsaturated fatty acids in place of saturated fatty acids can help in weight loss, despite no change in total calorie intake.

5.) Great For Skin & Hair

Finally, organic olive oils are great for your skin and hair. They contain plenty of Vitamin E, antioxidants, and compounds such as squalene and oleocanthal that act as skin protectors, repairing skin, preventing hair damage, and preventing aging.