Olive oil is an oil that has been getting a lot of attention in the news lately, and rightfully so. It has been proven to increase cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, and help to prevent numerous diseases, including some cancers, when added into a healthy diet plan.  Many weight loss plans, such as the olive diet, base most of their food choices around olive oil, making it the centerpiece.  This oil  is also a tasty addition to many meals. It makes a fantastic base to salad dressings and can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes. There are some different types of olive oil and not all are created equal.  The best of the best for olive oil is the extra virgin olive oil kind.  This comes from the first pressing of the olives, has not been heated or refined in anyway, and doesn’t have anything added to it.  All other types have been refined or changed in some way, making them less pure.  It’s not always easy to pick the right olive oil for your needs.  Extra virgin might be the healthiest, and in my opinion, the tastiest, but it is also the most pricy. It is best used for salads and for dipping breads. It can be added to pretty much any recipe, but this type is not generally good for frying. If you wish to replace your normal fats or oils with olive oil to fry, you should buy a lower grade of oil, usually just called olive oil. It will fry better and has a lower smoking point than the others.  It will not be as tasty for things like salad dressing though, as the oil has been overly refined and the flavor is not a rich. Depending on what you want to do with your oil, there is a version that is right for you. The important thing is to incorporate it into your diet. Whether you are following a Mediterranean version of the olive diet or simply trying to eat a bit healthier, olive oil is a great addition to your life and can help to keep you healthy for a long time.