Add Some Life

Olive Oil Receives FDA Qualified Health Claim

Olive oil is widely recognized for its heart-healthy benefits and versatility in cooking and preparing foods. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration approved olive oil for a qualified health claim, acknowledging the heart-healthy benefits of one of America’s most popular pourable cooking oils. Using olive oil in place of saturated fats is a simple way to add flavor and good nutrition to your diet.

Specifically, the FDA states, “Limited and not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about 2 tablespoons (23 grams) of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the monounsaturated fat in olive oil. To achieve this possible benefit, olive oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.”

Here are a few simple ways to add olive oil to your diet.

• Use in sautéing and stir frying
• Baste on meats, fish, poultry and vegetables for grilling
• Enjoy as a salad dressing
• Replace vegetable oils, butter and margarine in baked foods. Compare the Fats: Olive Oil vs. Butter.