08/05/2024 (WMUR), Manchester, N.H. - Olive oil is a popular choice in kitchens because of its supposed health benefits, so Consumer Reports put those claims to the test.

Experts at Consumer Reports pored through scientific studies on the benefits of olive oil and put 26 olive oils to a taste test.

Drizzle it on a salad, dip some bread into it or simply cook with it, olive oil is a pantry staple with a reputation for being versatile and healthy. No wonder it's garnered the nickname "liquid gold." But just how good is it for you?

"Research does link olive oil, especially when part of a Mediterranean-type diet, to numerous positive health outcomes, including longevity, improved cholesterol profiles, reduced inflammation and reduced risk of several chronic diseases," said Amy Keating, a dietician with Consumer Reports.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology involving about 92,000 people found that consuming more than a teaspoon-and-a-half of olive oil a day reduced the risk of dying early from any cause by 19% compared with consuming less.

But before you head out and start filling your cart, make sure you're getting the right one. Not all olive oils are made the same.

"To get the full health benefits of olive oil, you'll want to use extra virgin olive oil, which contains many bioactive components, including phenols, which research suggests are responsible for much of the oil's positive benefits," Keating said. "Regular olive oil is refined and has almost none of these compounds."

To find the best extra virgin olive oils, CR recruited a trained sensory panel and olive oil-tasting experts — yes, those people exist!

Each oil was served in a special blue glass so the samples were blind and the color didn't influence the experts' evaluation.

Two olive oils stand out for flavor and value: Aldi's Specially Selected Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil and California Olive Ranch 100% California Medium Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

And when you get that olive oil home, proper storage is key. Keep it closed tightly in a dark place away from heat sources such as the dishwasher or stove.

Olive oil isn't the only oil out there with health benefits. Other plant oils such as soybean and canola oils can be healthy options, as well.

https://www.wmur.com/article/consumer-reports-health-benefits-olive-oil/60735681