Extra virgin vs regular olive oil: Which is healthier?

             Written by: Sneha Jajoo

18 Feb 2026

You use olive oil for salads, pasta, and sautéing, but is extra virgin olive oil actually better or just expensive marketing? Let’s break it down.

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Olive oil is a plant-based fat made by pressing olives. It’s rich in heart-healthy fats, but not all olive oils are the same.

What Is Olive Oil?

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It’s all about processing. Less processing will have more nutrients.

The Main Difference

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EVOO is cold-pressed, with no heat or chemicals, and is the least processed, making it stronger in flavor and higher in nutrients.

What Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVVO) ?

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Rich in vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants, EVOO can support heart health & may lower bad cholestrol.

Health Benefits of EVOO

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This olive oil is refined using heat & processing. Milder in taste, regular olive oil has fewer antioxidants than EVOO.

Regular Olive Oil

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Use EVOO for salads, drizzling, and low-heat cooking. Whereas, for everyday cooking, use regular olive oil.

What Should Indians Use?

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