Pomace olive oil is generally a cheaper type of olive oil. That this olive oil is good for your wallet is a nice bonus. But is it also good for your health? In other words: is pomace olive oil healthy?
Olive oil and health
A quick refresher: there are 4 different types of olive oil suitable for consumption. To make it more complicated, these types can also be divided into different categories. The best olive oil is organic extra virgin olive oil. This olive oil is cold-pressed immediately after harvesting in an authentic way. This way, it contains the most healthy nutrients such as vitamins C and E, polyphenols, antioxidants, and unsaturated fats.
For each olive oil that is ‘lower’ on the ladder, you sacrifice quality. This goes for extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, regular olive oil, and finally pomace olive oil. The reason pomace olive oil is of lesser quality has to do with the production process. After pressing our (organic) extra virgin olive oil, fresh pulp remains. From this pulp, our pomace olive oil is made naturally.
We heat the pulp up to 60 degrees Celsius. This produces crude pomace olive oil, which we filter and steam without chemical processes. To give this olive oil more flavor and healthy nutrients, we add 10% organic extra virgin Gkazas Olive Oil. A 100% pure and natural product where nothing of the original olive is lost! Now you know what pomace olive oil is and how pomace olive oil is made. But is pomace olive oil healthy?
Is pomace olive oil healthy?
Most nutrients are found in the original olive. The leftover olive pulp has less flavor and healthy nutrients. But fortunately, not everything is lost and pomace olive oil still contains healthy nutrients. So, is pomace olive oil healthy? In this extensive article from Olive Oil Times, much scientific research is cited to answer that question.
For example, research shows that pomace olive oil still contains many healthy unsaturated fats (about 75%). One study showed that it improved cardiometabolic risk and lowered ‘bad cholesterol’.
They also state that pomace olive oil retains some polyphenols. Yes, to a lesser extent than extra virgin olive oil, but still a healthy alternative compared to other edible oils. One study concludes that pomace olive oil is a superior ingredient in bakery products. Another study concludes that pomace olive oil is a healthier alternative for cooking than sunflower oil. Maybe you’re also curious about the full article pomace olive oil vs other oils?
An important note is that pomace olive oil should be produced in the most natural and beautiful way. You can also produce pomace olive oil in a more ‘efficient’ way. To refine crude pomace olive oil, hexane can be used. This happens with many cheaper pomace olive oils. Hexane is a chemical agent that is not suitable for consumption. We are not a fan of this and therefore produce it naturally!
A good, affordable option – now available at Albert Heijn
So, is pomace olive oil healthy? Definitely! Okay, it is not healthier than higher quality olive oils. But it is cheaper than virgin or extra virgin olive oil and healthier than other edible oils and butter. Olive Oil Times does not say for nothing that this olive oil, when produced properly without hexane, is better suited for frying and roasting than many alternatives. Our 1 liter pomace olive oil tin is now available at Albert Heijn. For bulk users, we also offer the pomace olive oil 5 liter tin in our webshop. Discover the quality of our olive oil!
