Olives are very rich in oil, and this fact has made them one of the best sources of healthy oil for centuries. The three most common types are pure virgin olive oil, extra virgin. The oil is created by crushing and pressing of olives, and people have been making and using olive oil to maintain good health and keep fit during some five thousand years. Extra virgin olive oil and weight control, not to mention many other health benefits, go hand in hand.
Extra virgin olive oil is cold pressed and is a result of the first crushing or pressing of the olives. Cold pressing is done without chemicals or heat. The oil processed in this way only makes up about 10% of all oil produced, and is by far the best type of use. Virgin olive oil is usually from the second pressing of the olives and has the same quality extra virgin olive oil. The sheer variety is a blend of virgin and refined oils and is not recommended.
