Olive oil, extracted from olives, is majorly used in cooking and has many health benefits. The extraction process can be a combination of mechanical, cold-pressed, or crushing. Extra virgin or unfiltered olive oil uses the least processing and retains residual fruit particles and moisture after the extraction process. The market may spoil one for choice with different brands, but conducting preliminary research can help one find a genuine product. 

Here are some benefits and the best olive oils of 2023 one can try out.

Benefits of olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil offers multiple health benefits, which include the following:

• Lowers the risk of diseases
  Olive oil contains 73 percent monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which, studies suggest, lowers inflammation and has positive effects on cancer-related genes. It also helps reduce bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. These fats are also resistant to high heat, which makes extra virgin olive oil a good cooking option. Vitamins E and K are also present in small levels in olive oil.
• Antioxidant
  Olive oil is packed with biologically active antioxidants that prevent blood from oxidation, combat inflammation and lower the chance of developing chronic heart conditions.
• Anti-inflammatory
  One of the key factors contributing to the health advantages of extra-virgin olive oil may be its ability to decrease inflammation, which is a driving cause of major illnesses like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.
• Stroke prevention
  A stroke results from a disrupted blood supply to one’s brain. Multiple studies have linked the monounsaturated fat content in olive oil to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

10 best-rated virgin olive oil brands to buy
Refined olive oil loses its nutritional value in processing. So, it’s important to buy the right kind that retains its antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Instead of simply buying from the brands that label their products with “extra virgin” or “pure,” it’s important to read the ingredients list on the package and check for quality certification. Here are some trusted brands of 2023 that provide some of the best olive oils in the world.

• California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  Cold-pressed is a process that takes the juice out of nuts and seeds without using heat, which retains its nutrients. California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil is mild and cold pressed and can be used in cooking, baking, and for salad dressing.
• La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  This cold-pressed olive oil is harvested from Picual olives and processed on the same day. This 100 percent organic and non-GMO verified olive oil has a peppery flavor that isn’t overpowering, making it ideal for salad dressing.
• Napa Valley Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  Starting as a roadside product stand, Napa Valleys Naturals brand has expanded across the world. Their inexpensive olive oil is cold-pressed and offers a smooth buttery flavor.
• Iliada Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tin
  Iliada’s well-priced olive oil is harvested and cold-pressed without the use of chemicals or preservatives and is ideal for cooking.
• O-Live & Co. Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  This olive oil is certified organic and is extracted using mechanical processes. The brand meets the purity standards set by the International Olive Oil Council. The oil is mild and has a fruity flavor, making it a good option for cooking.
• Pompeian First Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  This aromatic, mild, and lightly textured olive oil is reasonably priced and can be used to saute cruciferous veggies and salad dressings.
• Kirkland Signature’s Organic Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  The all-purpose olive oil of Costco’s Kirkland brand is a well-liked product among professional chefs because of its fruity and nutty flavors.
• Bona Furtuna Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  Award-winning company Bona Furtuna uses organic practices to nurture thousands of olive trees and packages extra virgin olive oil in bottles within 24 hours of harvesting.
• Farchioni Biologici Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  Tagged organic by the Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification (ICEA), Farchioni Biologici is another sustainable company that uses cold-extraction of olives to make oil.
• McEvoy Ranch Organic Olive Oil
  California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) has certified the olive oil by McEvoy Ranch as organic. The company also bottles the peppery and rich oil without filtering and immediately after harvest.

Choosing the best extra-virgin olive oil
Those wanting to explore other olive oil brands can follow a few steps to choose the right product. One’s advised to ensure that the olive oil is extra-virgin and cold-pressed. Exposure to light may damage cold-pressed oil. So, it’s best to find a product packaged in glass, ceramic, or metal bottles. One is also advised to check the harvest date since the longer it stays on the shelf, the more rancid it gets. Most extra virgin olive oils can last up to 18 months from their packaging date when refrigerated.

Apart from this, one can also ensure that the oils are certified with seals such as PDO (protected designation of origin), PGI (protected geographical indication), CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), or COOC (California Olive Oil Council). One can also ensure that the ingredient list is straightforward to understand. At times, a producer may use different varieties of olives. It’s best to buy cold-pressed olive oil from a single source.