If you are vegan you are in the right place, because in this article you will read about how important it is to include EVOO in a vegan or vegetarian diet.
If you are not, then that is no issue, because more and more restaurants are including vegan dishes on their menus, and major retailers are adding new products that are not of animal origin.
Vegan diets are characterised by not consuming foods of animal origin, and although there are different variations within this diet -such as a full removal of animal products or a gradual removal – one thing in common is that they are based mainly on products of vegetable origin.
EVOO in the vegan diet: main source of fat
This is where olive oil comes into play: a 100% plant-based product that is also sustainable in its production (which is something you can never overestimate if you are also ecologically aware).
Daily fat intake is necessary (25% of our daily calorie allowance should contain fats). Normally we ingest them from animal foods, but if you remove animal foods from your diet, you must incorporate fats in a different way.
Among the different options available (such as cocoa butter, coconut oil, sunflower oil…) olive oil, along with nuts, olives or fruits such as avocado, are the healthiest options as they provide monounsaturated fats, i.e. light, non-hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats. In other words, fats that are good for your health.
In addition, EVOO has an advantage compared to other light fats, as it can be used both raw and in cooking. It does not spoil at high temperatures, which makes it the perfect ally in your kitchen if you are vegan, allowing you to increase your daily fat intake without consuming monosaturated or harmful fats:
- You can use it to cook
- You can use it to dress the vegetables and leafy greens you eat.
In addition, EVOO is rich in vitamins A, D, E and K – all of which are essential for the body in general and help to:
- Stimulate intestinal passage by preventing constipation.
- Absorb calcium and helps with bone mineralisation.
- Prevent tissue ageing due to its high antioxidant content.
