Is olive oil or sunflower oil healthier?

What are the differences and nutritional keys of these two types of oil?

Two of the most popular and most consumed oils are olive oil and sunflower oil.. The former is considered a very healthy food, which is part of the Mediterranean diet; however, the latter does not enjoy the same popularity.

Is sunflower oil really bad? What are the properties of these oils? In this article we will answer these questions and delve into their benefits.

Differences between olive oil and sunflower oil

Sunflower and olive oils are the best known types of vegetable oil, and although people think that the former is only used for cooking and the latter is ideal only for salads, the truth is that sunflower oil can also be eaten raw, which is where all its benefits lie.

How are these oils obtained? The first is obtained from sunflower seeds, when they are crushed; the second is obtained from crushing olives. Nowadays, it is possible to find different varieties of oils and their types in the supermarket, for example, extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil. Olive oil enjoys greater popularity and status than sunflower oil, mainly because the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest and most balanced diets in existence, and some varieties of olive oil are called "green gold", as if it were a treasure of nature.

What is virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?

Within the varieties of olive oil, not all have the same status, value, price and quality. In fact, it is possible to differentiate between virgin and extra virgin olive oil.

The main difference between the two oils lies in their mode of extraction, in the degrees of fermentation to which the raw material is exposed.The main difference between the two oils lies in their method of extraction, in the degree of fermentation to which the raw material is exposed. To obtain both oils, traditional and mechanical extraction methods are used, but the extra virgin is categorized as of higher quality, with a fermentation that should not exceed 0.8 degrees Celsius and the tasting note does not go below 6.5.

Virgin olive oil does not have as much quality and exquisiteness, since its fermentation can be carried out at 2 degrees centigrade and its tasting note is 5.5 for its quality certificate.

• If you want to know more about the difference between both types of olive oil, you can read our article: "Differences between virgin and extra virgin olive oil".

Is olive oil better than sunflower oil?

Undoubtedly, olive oil is a very nutritious food, but... isn't sunflower oil? Why does this oil enjoy such a bad reputation? Sunflower oil enjoys such a bad reputation because it is an oil that, unlike olive oil, does not withstand the high temperatures of cooking so well and, therefore, burns earlier, expelling substances that do not benefit the organism at all.

However, sunflower oil, eaten raw, is just as beneficial as olive oil, and both are loaded with nutrients, including polyunsaturated fats, known as good fats. In the case of sunflower oil, it is rich in fatty acids, including linoleic acid. Vitamin E is also present in large quantities. Olive oil, in addition to other nutrients, also contains vitamin E and oleic acid.

Benefits of sunflower oil

Sunflower oil provides a number of benefits to the body. It has anti-inflammatory effects making it ideal for those suffering from arthritis or premenstrual syndrome. It also helps to keep the heart healthy, as it is a great source of healthy fats and beneficial phytosterols. In this sense, improves circulation and reduces the risk of heart attacks.. Good fats help balance blood sugar levels and, together with phytosterols, lower bad cholesterol.

Sunflower oil also protects the body's cells from cancer-causing free radicals. Thanks to vitamin E, it helps prevent diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis or colon cancer. This vitamin has a moisturizing effect that helps cells retain water and is therefore used in cosmetic products. Studies suggest that vitamin E helps protect against Parkinson's disease. You can learn more about this condition in our article: "Parkinson's: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention".

If the oil is not ingested and is applied directly on the skin, it moisturizes the skin by forming a protective barrier preventing moisture from escaping. When applied directly to the skin, it also helps fight infections such as fungi. Its high zinc content also makes it a food that improves sexual performance..

Benefits of olive oil

As you can see, sunflower oil has many properties and benefits. And... in the case of olive oil? It has Antibacterial properties and it is particularly effective against Helicobacter pyloria type of bacteria that can cause ulcers and stomach cancer. Therefore, it improves the health of the stomach and digestive system, and increases the PH of the organism because it favors the absorption of calcium and magnesium.

It helps reduce joint pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis, something that increases in combination with the intake of fish rich in omega 3. The polyphenols it contains enhance the birth of new neurons, and studies suggest that it helps increase cognitive functions, metabolic functions and causes greater brain development.

Prevents diabetes because of its beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. It improves skin health because it contains anti-aging agents and nutrients that fight osteoporosis and skin damage. It also prevents Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and improves the immune system. Finally, it helps to lose weight thanks to healthy fats and lowers cholesterol.

• If you want to know more about the benefits of green gold, you can read our article: "13 benefits and properties of olive oil".