He olive oil It might be the most expensive ingredient you have in your kitchen, thanks to its flavor, versatility, and healthy fat content. However, when you use it incorrectly it also becomes an underrated product.
According to experts, many of its benefits are lost due to everyday failures, either when cooking or during storage. These bad practices alter its chemical composition, affecting the flavor and nutritional properties..
In this sense, It is not enough to just buy quality olive oilbut rather learn to use it to preserve its antioxidants and healthy fats.
Read also: Why you should always wash avocados before eating them: experts warn
4 mistakes when using olive oil in cooking
1. Frying incorrectly
One of the most common mistakes is using olive oil for frying improperly. Many people believe that using less makes fried foods “healthier” or avoids wasting oil. However, Experts explain that when foods are not immersed correctly in hot oil, they absorb more fat and end up being oilier..
Furthermore, reusing oil too many times or heating it for long periods deteriorates its properties.
Although olive oil can be used for certain fried foods, The recommendation is to control the temperature and avoid overheating it.
2. Burn the oil
Another common mistake is letting the oil reach too high temperatures until it smokes. When olive oil is burned, its chemical structure is altered and it begins to lose antioxidants and compounds beneficial to the body..
Besides, Excessive heat favors the appearance of substances such as acroleinrelated to irritation and harmful health effects.
Specialists warn that smoke is a clear sign that the fat has begun to break down.
To avoid this, they advise First heat the pan and then add the oil just before cooking the food. This reduces the time of exposure to extreme heat.
3. Throw it down the sink
Disposing of used olive oil down the drain, believing that because it is olive oil it can be done, is another habit that can have consequences for both the home and the environment.
When oil cools inside the pipes, it tends to solidify and stick to the internal walls of the pipes.. This can cause blockages and complicate drainage and water purification systems.
Furthermore, oil spilled in large quantities contaminates water sources and affects ecosystems.
The most widespread recommendation is Let the used oil cool, store it in a closed container and take it to recycling centers. or specialized collection points.
4. Store it in places with heat or light
The way olive oil is stored also directly influences its quality. Many people leave it near the stove, next to windows or in spaces where it receives constant light. This accelerates the oxidation process and deteriorates its properties..
Exposure to heat and light reduces the stability of healthy fats and modifies the flavor of the product over time.
Experts recommend Store it in cool, dry and dark places, preferably in opaque bottles. or containers designed to protect it from light.
They also advise avoiding buying oils that remain exposed for too long under intense lighting in supermarkets. These small changes They help keep its qualities intact and take better advantage of its benefits. within the daily diet.
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