Extra virgin olive oil is one of the most widely used foods in our gastronomy. Therefore, it is common to wonder how it affects your body or if it can influence your diet. So the most frequently asked question is: is olive oil fattening? In Verde Divino we solve all your doubts.
How fattening is olive oil?
Olive oil, like any other food, contains calories. This does not mean that drinking it will help you put on weight, as it is a natural food and contains healthy fats. The key is to take it in moderation.
The study of Prevention with Mediterranean Diet (Predimed) claims that people who have followed a Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oils, despite taking in more calories than people on a low-fat diet, have not put on weight. In fact, they tend to lose weight and waist circumference.
How much olive oil is recommended per day?
According to the Predimed study, it is advisable to take about 40 ml of EVOO per dayIt has been shown that this quantity allows the benefits of its consumption to be enjoyed. That is, about 4 tablespoons.
People in the study have a lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even anxiety. It is important to have this number as a reference, as this is not the time when the saying "I'm not at risk" will not work. "the more the merrierThis can be detrimental to weight loss.
In summary, a person should consume 15 litres of extra virgin olive oil per year.
A balanced way to distribute the amount is to take a spoonful of EVOO on an empty stomach (5 ml), have an oil and tomato toast (15-20 ml) and end the day with a salad in the evening (15-20 ml). This covers the recommended amount.
However, it is important to bear in mind. It is important to bear in mind that if you eat a lot of fried foods, even if they are cooked with extra virgin olive oil, they can affect weight gain. For example: a portion of half a dozen croquettes can absorb 100 grams of EVOO, which is about 900 kcal.
How fattening is a spoonful of olive oil?
The calories of olive oil in 1 tbsp. The amount in a tablespoon is 119, while a teaspoon contains 40 kcal. Taking this into account, to reach the amount recommended by scientists per day, it is possible to divide it according to taste between breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.
What type of oil is the least fattening?
If you are wondering which oil is the least fatteningolive oil is in the podium. Among them, extra virgin olive oil is the most beneficial and the healthiest option for the body, if consumed in moderation.
It is rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids, and is even less altered than other oils when used for frying food.
It is important to bear in mind that, even if you want to lose weight, you cannot do without fats completely, as they are essential for the functioning of the body.
However, EVOO is the highest quality fat that can be consumed, according to numerous studies. Replacing saturated fats, i.e. "bad fats", with quality extra virgin olive oil is the best ally for losing weight or keeping it off.
Olive oil for weight loss: how to take it
The benefits of consuming EVOO are numerous, it's no secret, but its properties go beyond that. Did you know that nutrition and health specialists recommend its use because it helps you lose weight?
This is why extra virgin olive oil is the best ally you can have in the kitchen. If you are wondering how to take extra virgin olive oil to lose weightr these are some of the tricks you can do at breakfast:
- Lemon juice and EVOO.
Mix ¼ tablespoon of EVOO and half a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Drink it at breakfast. This mixture combats constipation, the EVOO protects the walls of the intestinal tract and the lemon reduces inflammation. It also detoxifies the body and fights abdominal fat. You can add a little water to make the mixture lighter and easier to drink.
- Spoonful of EVOO on an empty stomach.
Take a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil 30 minutes before breakfast every morning. This promotes intestinal transit and provides a feeling of satiety, reducing food cravings. For this method it is advisable to use a mild, fruity variety, such as the Arbequina EVOO.
It is important to note that these tips on how to use olive oil for weight loss are effective, but they need to be accompanied by a healthy diet and exercise for best results.
Therefore, to the question: is olive oil fattening?is a simple answer. When taken with caution and in a balanced way, EVOO will not make you gain weight. In fact, it can be your best ally if you want to lose weight.
