The other night, my wife asked for help in the kitchen making meatballs.
Being a good husband, I begrudgingly left my computer and made my way toward her. She wanted me to spray the baking sheet with olive oil so the meatballs don’t stick.
I grab the olive oil can and thought to myself “What’s in this stuff to make it spray out?”.
I check the ingredients list on the back: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Soy Lecithin, Dimethyl Silicon and Propellant.
Is eating a forkful of these ingredients really healthy?
So instead of using it — after all there must be another way — I grabbed a bottle of olive oil and proceeded to spread some out onto the tin foil with one of those paintbrush thingies.
Satisfied that avoided using the spray, I made my way back to the office and as I sat back down at my computer, I couldn’t help but wonder about the ingredients.
I mean, I’ve always heard that olive oil is good for you, but what about these sprays? Do they contain the same health benefits as traditional olive oil, or are they just a convenient way to add a bit of flavor to our dishes?
I decided to do some research and find out the truth about olive oil cooking sprays. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing what I learned about the ingredients, the quality of the oil, portion control issues, and whether it’s worth using or not. So let’s jump right into it and find out if olive oil sprays are really healthy!
What is in an Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cooking Spray?
Olive oil cooking sprays are a convenient way to add flavor to our dishes and prevent food from sticking to the pan. However, they are not just made up of olive oil alone. Here are the three main ingredients:
- Soy Lecithin: This is a fatty substance derived from soybeans that are commonly used as an emulsifier in processed foods. It is to help mix the oil and water-based ingredients together and improve the spray’s consistency.
- Dimethyl Silicone: This is a synthetic chemical used as an anti-foaming agent in many food products. It is added to prevent the oil from foaming or splattering when sprayed.
- Propellants: These are chemicals that help to propel the oil out of the can when sprayed. Common propellants used include butane, propane, and nitrous oxide.
While these ingredients are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, there is some concern about their potential health effects. For example, Soy Lecithin is known to contain phytoestrogens, which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Dimethyl Silicone is considered safe for consumption, but long-term exposure to high levels of this chemical may have negative health effects.
So, while the primary ingredient in olive oil sprays is indeed olive oil, be aware of the other ingredients and how they may affect our health. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the quality of the olive oil used in these sprays.
Is the Olive Oil in the Can Actually Good Quality?
One of the main reasons people choose olive oil sprays is the health benefits of olive oil. But is the olive oil in the can actually good quality?
Not all olive oils are created equal. Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil, and it is made by mechanically pressing fresh olives without the use of chemicals or heat. This type of oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.
La Tourangelle Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Cooking Spray is an example of a high-quality olive oil spray that contains only pure, organic extra-virgin olive oil without any additives. This spray is made with carefully selected olives and is mechanically cold-pressed to ensure the highest quality and flavor and has NO ADD chemicals.
Another factor to consider is how the oil is stored in the can. Olive oil is sensitive to light, heat, and air, which can cause it to break down and become rancid over time. Make sure to store your olive oil cooking spray in a cool, dark place and use it within the expiration date.
Be sure to read the label carefully and choose a product made with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil like La Tourangelle Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Cooking Spray. By doing so, you can enjoy the health benefits of olive oil while also using a convenient spray format. In the next section, we’ll discuss how olive oil sprays can make portion control challenging.
Is it Worth it?
Olive oil sprays are a popular choice for cooking, but is it really worth using them over traditional olive oil? The answer to that question depends on a few different factors.
One of the main benefits of using an olive oil spray is the convenience factor. They are incredibly easy to use and require no measuring or pouring, making them ideal for quick cooking jobs. However, this convenience comes at a price; olive oil sprays are typically more expensive than traditional olive oil and contain fewer nutrients due to their processing methods.
Another potential disadvantage of using an olive oil spray is the possibility of over-consumption. Since the portion size isn’t measured or controlled, it can be easy to use more olive oil than necessary. This can add unnecessary calories and fat to your meals, leading to weight gain.
When it comes down to it, If you’re looking for convenience and don’t mind spending a bit extra on high-quality, chemical-free olive oil, then they may be worth it. La Tourangelle Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Spray, for example, is made with pure, organic extra-virgin olive oil and is propellant and chemical-free.
However, if you’re looking for the most nutrition and flavor for your money, traditional extra-virgin olive oil is generally a better choice. It’s also worth noting that you can create your own spray bottle at home by purchasing a refillable spray bottle and filling it with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. This way, you can control the portion size and quality of the oil you use.
In conclusion, while olive oil sprays are convenient, they may not be the most cost-effective or nutritious option for cooking. By being aware of the ingredients and quality of the oil, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to use them in your cooking.
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