Unraveling food industry lies – that’s not real olive oil you’re using

Considered by many to be one of the healthiest plant-based fats, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has gained considerable notoriety in recent years for its ability to lower heart disease risk and cholesterol levels, among other benefits. Unfortunately, much of the so-called olive oil sold in stores today is not actually olive oil, but rather a deceptive blend of inferior oils that may or may not include traces of actual olive oil. As much as 50% of all olive oil sold commercially in the US does not pass the stringent testing standards used to qualify the authenticity of real olive oil. As it turns out, many high-volume, non-certified olive oils may contain various blends of rapeseed (canola) oil, soybean oil, flavoring chemicals, and colors that give the illusion of real olive oil — but in reality, these oils are nothing but frauds.